Tees secures £140,000 settlement for family after fatal DVT and Pulmonary Embolism due to medical negligence
Janine Collier recently represented a family in a successful medical negligence case, securing a £140,000 settlement after the tragic loss of a 63-year-old woman, F. The case arose from a failure to provide appropriate preventative treatment for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) following routine knee surgery, which led to a fatal pulmonary embolism.
Background: A preventable tragedy
F was an active, sporty woman who underwent knee surgery in January 2010 to treat a medial meniscal tear. Despite a known history of bilateral blood clots and varicose vein surgery, F did not receive appropriate DVT prophylaxis. Her surgery was performed as a day case at Scarborough Hospital, and she was discharged with painkillers and a follow-up appointment scheduled six weeks later.
In the days following her surgery, F experienced significant discomfort, swelling in her leg and ankle, and difficulty straightening her leg. On January 23rd, 2010, just 11 days post-surgery, her condition deteriorated rapidly. Despite her husband’s efforts and an emergency call for an ambulance, F passed away in his arms. The post-mortem report confirmed the cause of death as a pulmonary embolism resulting from DVT in her right leg.
Legal claim and allegations
The claim alleged that the medical team failed to properly assess F’s risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE) and did not take appropriate preventative measures, including the use of mechanical (e.g., compression stockings) or chemical prophylaxis, such as low molecular weight Heparin. Expert opinion concluded that had these measures been taken, F’s death would have been preventable.
While the Defendant did not admit liability, they expressed a willingness to explore a settlement.
Settlement breakdown
The family’s claim included compensation for F’s pain and suffering, as well as dependency claims for her husband and three adult children, who suffered financial losses due to her death. Notably, one of F’s daughters faced significant financial hardship, as F had provided regular childcare for her grandchildren. After her mother’s passing, she had to reduce her working hours and arrange private childcare.
The final settlement amounted to £140,000, distributed as follows:
- F’s Estate (Pain and Suffering): £2,000
- F’s Husband: £103,250
- F’s Son: £2,500
- First Daughter: £1,250
- Second Daughter: £31,000
Supporting the family beyond the settlement
Following the settlement, Tees’ Wealth Management team provided tailored financial advice to F’s husband and second daughter, ensuring their compensation would be effectively managed to support their future needs.
Get expert advice on medical negligence claims
If you have concerns about medical negligence or the care provided to you or a loved one, Tees offers free and confidential legal advice. Our experienced medical negligence solicitors are dedicated to helping families secure the compensation they deserve.
Contact us today for a consultation.
