Cancer patient compensated for hospital negligence.
Our client had been diagnosed with cervical cancer and undergone radiotherapy, chemotherapy and brachytherapy at the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital.
Brachytherapy is often used in cervical cancer cases and involves radioactive material being inserted directly into the affected area.
Following her brachytherapy treatment she experienced pain in her back and shortness of breath. She was readmitted to hospital where she was diagnosed as having two pulmonary emboli. She remained in hospital for ten days and given anticoagulant treatment. However, when she was discharged, her condition deteriorated and she had to be readmitted. She was then diagnosed with an infection and prescribed antibiotics.
An investigation was undertaken by the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital which discovered that hospital staff had failed to administer venous thromboprophylaxis on the two occasions prior to her receiving brachytherapy treatment.
A hospital negligence claim was made and we agreed to undertake the legal work on a No Win, No Fee basis. Fortunately the hospital appreciated the nature of the error and recognised that our client had a strong legal claim. This resulted in an early admission of legal liability being made.
The medical negligence resulted in our client suffering from from anxiety and stress at the thought of developing another pulmonary embolism. Expert medical evidence was obtained, including a report from a respiratory physician.
Negotiations then took place resulting in a compensation package of £23,500 being agreed out of court.
