Settlement for Client with Meningococcal Septicaemia

In December 2009 we concluded a claim for clinical negligence in a long running case. Our client sought damages against her GP after the GP failed to refer her to hospital with suspected meningococcal septicaemia. Our client lost both feet and some digits to both hands as a result of the Meningococcal Septicaemia.

We agreed that the GP was liable and that prompt hospital treatment would have made a difference to our client. We reached this point fairly quickly so our client received interim payments. She used this to fund prosthetic limbs so she could walk.

Delays to the Claim for Meningococcal Septicaemia

This case highlights the difficulties that we face if we value a claim while the client’s medical condition is still uncertain. Our client found it very difficult to obtain limbs that fitted comfortably. Experts suggested that she should undergo further surgery to amputate higher up her lower limbs to make it possible to fit her prosthetic limbs more comfortably.

Our client also had complex personal circumstances which meant that the Official Solicitor was appointed to act on her behalf. On several occasions the Court had to delay the final trial until a decision was taken about further surgery to help with fitting of limbs. It was also waiting for a decision on where the Claimant would live.

Our client continued to receive compensation during this period so that her needs were met while we were waiting to value the claim. We helped her secure a substantial award which was approved by the Court in December 2009. We had hoped to secure periodical payments as part of the settlement. These are annual sums guaranteed during the Claimant’s lifetime. Unfortunately this was not possible because the Defendant was not in a position to secure the future payments. Instead we set up a Trust to ensure our client has sufficient funds in the future.

Find out more about our specialist medical negligence solicitors, or get in touch by phone on 0115 931 51 71 or send us an email.