Hospital’s failure to give essential heart medication results in fatal outcome

Senior Litigation Executive Michael Blakemore-Carson supported our client after her husband tragically died following repeated medication errors while in hospital. In addition to securing compensation, he achieved the formal acknowledgement of wrongdoing that meant the most to her. 

What you’ll find in this case study:

• Details of the patient’s medical background. 

• How medication was missed several times, and the resulting cardiac arrest. 

• The patient’s decline and care needs during his final months.  

• How we pursued the claim, ensuring the Trust acknowledged their failures. 

• Details of the settlement. 

• The family’s response. 

Background  

Our client brought a claim on behalf of her husband, a 76-year-old man, who was admitted to hospital for treatment of a bilateral inguinal hernia. He had a known history of ventricular tachycardia (VT) and relied on the life-preserving anti-arrhythmic medication, Mexiletine to manage his condition.  

However, while in hospital, medical staff forgot to give him his Mexiletine medication on seven occasions. As a result, he suffered a cardiac arrest and needed resuscitation, leading to rib fractures.  

The client’s husband remained in hospital, and later a hospice, before returning home. No longer able to care for himself, her husband was bedbound and needed significant care. He became incontinent and was completely reliant on our client for personal care. Sadly, he passed away just six months after leaving the hospice.  

Impact  

The couple were extremely close, and the client was devastated by the loss. Her husband’s final months, which should have been peaceful, but were instead filled with suffering that could have been avoided. 

Outcome  

The case was handled by Senior Litigation Executive, Michael Blakemore-Carson, who recovered a settlement of £120,000. 

For our client and the wider family, the most important outcome was acknowledgement: that what happened to her husband was preventable, and that the failings in his care were recognised. 

After the settlement, the client said: 

“The family are so relieved. As a matter of fact, I don’t think it’s sunk in yet.
We can all sleep a bit easier now. And I know he is saying well done to all of us.”