Mr X presented at the A&E Department on 3rd February 2019 with features that were entirely consistent with a diagnosis of transient ischaemic attack (TIA), namely unilateral facial weakness. The presence and significance of this feature was documented in the medical records, but there was a failure by the Defendant to adequately treat the Claimant and prescribe aspirin at the time of his attendance. As a consequence, on 10th February 2019, he suffered a stroke. He was unable to speak and developed severe right-sided weakness.
Mr X received rehabilitation in the hospital for around 3 months, following which he underwent speech and language therapy at home. He continued to have significant disabilities relating to his speech and his speed of information processing. He had reduced sensation in his right arm with increased tone and some reduction in power. As a consequence of his injuries, he was less able to participate in physical activities, and had significant difficulties in communication both in his workplace and with his wife and family. It is unlikely that he will ever significantly recover either physical function or communication. Because of the disabilities associated with suffering a stroke, expert evidence suggested that his life expectancy was reduced by 3 to 4 years.
Mr X instructed Clare Milne of Girlings Personal Injury Claims Limited to bring a claim on his behalf against Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust. Advice was sought from experts in neurology and stroke medicine. Despite the Defendant denying liability, Miss Milne was still able to achieve a settlement on behalf of Mr X in the sum of £350,000.
Clare Milne comments on the case:
“This was an extremely complex case and was defended by the Defendant throughout. However, despite that, we were able to persevere and achieve a settlement on behalf of Mr X and his family in the sum of £350,000.”