Helping a Stroke Patient Rebuild Life After Negligence

Background

Our client, a 57-year-old Telescopic Handler suffered a stroke while in hospital. Within the first hour of his stroke, he had undergone a CT scan and was assessed by both a stroke nurse and a stroke consultant. It was decided that he would be transferred to a nearby hospital for mechanical thrombectomy – an emergency procedure to remove a blood clot from the brain.  

Whilst awaiting transfer, our client received intravenous thrombolysis with Alteplase, to dissolve the clot. However, due to incompatible imaging systems between the hospitals, medical staff were unable to view the CT images in a timely manner. As a result, our client was not transferred for mechanical thrombectomy.  

Due to this, our client was left with a significant permanent disability. His current Modified Rankin Score (mRS) is 3, indicating moderate disability. It is likely that, had he undergone mechanical thrombectomy, he would have achieved a good functional recovery, with an mRS of 1 or 2. 

Impact 

Our client is now unfit for work and lacks capacity to manage his financial affairs. He has been left with the following impairments:  

• No use of right arm  

• Poor balance and unsteady walking, requiring single storey accommodation  

• Loss of speech, with acquired aphasia and verbal dyspraxia   

• Erectile dysfunction  

• Ongoing need for significant care support  

Before the stroke, our client was an independent, hard-working man with a stable job, family, and his own home. Since the incident, he has been forced to sell his home and car, and now resides with his elderly parents, who provide full-time care and support. 

Case and outcome  

Our client and his family were supported by Clinical Negligence Solicitor, Peter Daly, who successfully secured a settlement of £2.5m.  

On resolution of the case, Solicitor, Peter Daly commented: 

“It has been a long journey for our client and his parents. I am very grateful for the trust the family placed in the team at Fletchers and for their patience throughout the years. It was a pleasure working with the family and I am delighted that our client can now begin the next chapter of his life with the adequate funds in place for his needs.” 

With assistance from the Court of Protection team, our client will have the financial means to purchase and adapt a property suited to his needs. The settlement will also enable him to arrange private care, easing the burden on his parents, and to continue his rehabilitation to support ongoing recovery. 

Commenting on the outcome, the client’s litigation friend said:  

“Thank you for getting this brilliant result. We are so grateful and could not have done it without you. It’s been a long haul, but such a relief it’s finally done. He’s so happy today, it’s a weight lifted off his shoulders once again, so many thanks to you and your team.” 

If you or a loved one has been affected by a delay or error in treatment, call us now for a free consultation.