THE TYPE OF CASE WE DO:

DELAY IN DIAGNOSIS; SEPTICAEMIA; AMPUTATION; KIDNEY FAILURE

A V B NHS HOSPITALS TRUST (2004)

£1,250,000 for delay in treating septicaemia in 17 year old.

Aged 17 A developed aches in her neck, shoulders and legs. She was taken to hospital the next day by which time she was unable to walk unaided, was pale, hot, sweaty, was losing consciousness intermittently and had developed a rash on her stomach.

A diagnosis of flu was made. A was discharged.

A reattended hospital 5 hours later, was admitted, meningococcal septicaemia diagnosed and antibiotics commenced. A was then transferred to a specialist hospital.

A required amputation of both her legs below the knees, she required amputation of her fingers on the right hand and parts of her fingers on the left. Her kidneys failed and she required dialysis and subsequently kidney transplant.

BREACH OF DUTY

It was A's case that she was not properly assessed on initial attendance at hospital and that proper assessment would have resulted in diagnosis of her condition and treatment commenced earlier.

CAUSATION

It was A's case that earlier treatment would have allowed her to achieve a full recovery.

OUTCOME

The case was fully defended however settlement was agreed at approximately 60% of the full value of the claim to reflect litigation risk.