Bereaved Family Recover Compensation

Sheila’s family contacted Barratts Solicitors in late May 2010 following Sheila’s untimely death. She had been admitted to the Defendant Hospital on 6 May 2010 for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Following surgery the family were concerned that Sheila was in pain and appeared unwell. Despite their concerns Sheila was discharged. By the evening of 7 May Sheila’s condition had deteriorated and she attended A & E. Doctors re-admitted her to the surgical ward in the early hours of 8 May 2010. A junior doctor wrote in the notes that post-operative-bleeding should be considered, however no one performed an investigation.

Following a surgical review at 8.00 a.m. on 9 May, surgeons performed an emergency operation. This revealed extensive faecal peritonitis due to damage to the bowel caused during the previous surgery. Sheila became septic and her condition deteriorated so she was admitted to Intensive Care. Sadly her condition did not improve and Sheila passed away on 16 May 2010, aged only 71. Sheila’s family were devastated by the loss.

Inquest into Sheila’s death

There was an Inquest into the cause of Sheila’s death. The Coroner returned a narrative verdict which confirmed that it was beyond doubt that the injuries to Sheila’s bowel were caused during the initial surgery on 6 May. The Defendant Trust initially denied liability. They subsequently changed their views and accepted liability prior to the Inquest. The family asked our solicitor to represent them at the inquest. We ensured all their questions were answered and they hope that this will help prevent a further similar incident occurring. They reached a settlement for the sum of £50,000.

The family chose Barratts because of our expertise, even though other solicitors had been recommended to them. They thanked Barratts for the “compassionate and professional manner” in which the case was handled.

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