Annabelle's Case

The claim was brought by Annabelle as widow and Personal Representative of her husband's estate. Annabelle's husband had been admitted in summer 1999 for a wound infection following skull surgery in 1996. Despite a drop in the level of consciousness, disorientation, loss of appetite and loss of desire to drink fluids, diabetes was not picked up until over a month later, when he was transferred to another hospital. Despite appropriate care following diagnosis, he died as a result of the complications of diabetes.

Although negligence was admitted early on, the claim was settled for a modest sum of £27,000 because Annabelle's husband had no dependants. We had estimated the value of the claim at £30,000, and were therefore pleased with the final award.

Please note that all names have been changed to maintain anonymity.