Compensation after an attack on a healthcare worker by a psychiatric patient

Our clients’ story is especially poignant during the Coronavirus outbreak. It illustrates the risks taken every day by nursing and medical staff to help patients. Sarah and Steve were married and worked together as healthcare workers in a medium secure psychiatric hospital. Both were in their 60’s.

Whilst at work, Steve was savagely attacked by a disturbed patient. The attack caused Steve serious brain damage and facial injuries. Sarah arrived on the scene to see her husband motionless, unconscious and disfigured before he was taken into the ambulance. We made a claim on behalf of both our clients against the hospital because the patient should not have been accepted into a medium risk unit. The hospital admitted liability. However, because Sarah was not directly injured, her claim was initially denied.

Impact of the Attack

Sadly Steve was left with permanent difficulties with loss of memory and concentration, fatigue and problems with organisation. Steve was lucky to regain his mobility but needed a case manager who could help to manage his daily routines. He also needed psychological therapy. Sarah recovered compensation for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as she needed intensive counselling to cope with this attack.

Neither client was able to return to work but both had planned to work beyond retirement age. Ed Myers fought for Sarah and Steve to recover lost earnings after the normal retirement age. He carried out lengthy negotiations with the Hospital trust which eventually made significant concessions. Both were awarded money for their pain and suffering as well as future financial losses.

No amount of money can compensate our clients for the permanent damage caused by this horrific attack on a healthcare worker. However, the money has ensured that Sarah and Steve can fund support to help with their therapy to maximise their recovery from this ordeal and money to replace their lost earnings.

Names have been changed to protect client confidentiality.

If you would like to get in touch to discuss your situation, please email us or you can visit our Clinical Negligence section to find out more about the ways our solicitors help clients.