Hospital’s failure to treat brain aneurysm causes barrister’s death

This case study demonstrates the expertise of our Clinical Negligence team who recently settled the claim of a widow whose barrister husband died following his transfer from Kent to a London hospital with a suspected brain aneurysm.

Brain scans were carried out which confirmed the presence of an aneurysm but the neurosurgeon under whose care he has been admitted was about to go on holiday and no treatment was commenced. When the surgeon returned a week later further scans indicated that the aneurysm had grown. Plans were made to take Mr R to theatre the following day to insert a tiny coil into the aneurysm to prevent it bleeding.

Tragically the aneurysm burst before he was taken to theatre and he suffered a fatal subarachnoid haemorrhage. Mr R was a barrister and part-time judge. His death left his widow to bring up their three children aged 12, 9 and 3 on her own.

Initially the hospital denied negligence but after proceedings had commenced they admitted sub standard care and accepted responsibility for causing Mr R’s death. Mrs R insisted on an apology and eventually this was forthcoming. Negotiations resulted in the payment of substantial compensation in a six figure sum. The settlement was approved by the court.

Read more about our experience with fatal accidents.

We have one of the largest and most experienced specialist medical negligence teams in Southern England including London. Our team of highly experienced lawyers has the depth and range of expertise essential in this sensitive and often complex area of law. Our clinical negligence team is very proud to be ranked Number 1 in both the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners UK.