The Type Of Case We Do

DELAY DIAGNOSIS SUBARACHNOID HAEMORRHAGE; DEATH

£200,000 to the widow and estate of K following a failure to diagnose and treat subarachnoid haemorrhage.

K V DR B AND OTHERS, GEH NHS TRUST (2006)

Aged 49 K attended her GP with sudden onset severe headache and neck stiffness.

Cricked neck was diagnosed and co codamol prescribed.

A week later with symptoms persisting a second GP repeated the diagnosis. 

Five days later K attended A&E following further sudden onset of headache and vomiting. She was reassured and discharged.

K attended her GPs on further occasions with the same symptoms and was reassured.

A month after the onset of the initial headache K collapsed with severe headache vomiting and fitting.

She was diagnosed with subarachnoid haemorrhage however died the following day.

K left behind her husband and three children.

BREACH OF DUTY

It was argued that subarachnoid haemorrhage should have been considered as a possible diagnosis and K investigated by CT scan.

CAUSATION

It was argued that earlier CT scan would have diagnosed the injury in time for treatment to save her life.

OUTCOME

The hospital accepted liability and the case was settled without trial for £200,000.