Hospital negligence leads to death of wife and mother from asthma attack

This case study demonstrates the expertise of our Clinical Negligence team who acted for the husband and sons of a 45 year old woman who died within a few days of her admission to a Surrey hospital as a result of her first ever asthma attack.

Mrs A had twin sons who were aged 17 when their mother died and they and their father and older brother were devastated at her loss.

Mrs A died because she was not given adequate treatment when she was struggling to breathe. By the time she was transferred to the high dependency unit she suffered a cardiac arrest and lapsed into a coma. Her family struggled to come to terms with what had happened. Due to an error Mr A was shown into the room when brain stem tests were being carried out. Sadly the brain stem tests revealed that the situation was hopeless and the life support machine was switched off. The hospital admitted that their negligence had caused Mrs A's death and issued an apology.

The family pursued a claim for compensation for the loss of a wife and mother, for bereavement damages and financial dependency.

The claim settled for damages of £240,000.

Read more about our experience in fatal accidents.

Patricia Fearnley specialises in clinical negligence and fatal accident cases. If you would like to ask Patricia a question about a potential case involving a death whilst in medical care or you have a general query about medical negligence contact Patricia on 01892 701319 in confidence.     

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.