30.11.2015

Medical Negligence Lawyers At Irwin Mitchell Represented The Family

Specialist medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell have secured a settlement for the family of a 56-year-old man who died just hours after being discharged from hospital.

Patrick Keane, from Windsor, in Berkshire, was on holiday with his family in Devon when he started to suffer from a sore throat. His condition deteriorated and was taken to North Devon District Hospital by his family on the 16^th June 2012.

When he got to the A&E department of the hospital, the father-of-two’s neck was swollen, he was in pain and was struggling to talk due to swelling in his throat. He was examined and was diagnosed with a viral infection and discharged.

Later that day he began to cough up blood and was struggling to breathe. He collapsed and his family called for an ambulance – paramedics tried to resuscitate him but he sadly died. He was diagnosed with Epiglottitis, which is a dangerous condition which leads to the narrowing of the airways and patients deteriorate rapidly if they remain untreated.

His partner of 17 years, Fiona Allaway, instructed specialist medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate the circumstances leading up to Patrick’s death.

Following an approval hearing at Birmingham District Registry today (30^th November), a Judge awarded an undisclosed settlement to his family, which will provide future financial protection for his children Yasmine and Thomas. The North Devon Healthcare NHS Trust denied liability throughout the legal proceedings.

Expert Opinion

“Patrick’s family have been left completely devastated by his sudden death and are still coming to terms with what has happened.

“Epiglottitis is a critical condition, but one which is treatable with antibiotics. The family believe that there was a delay in diagnosing his condition, and if he had been given the appropriate timely treatment, he would still be with them today.

“The settlement awarded today will go towards ensuring that his family, especially his two children, have financial support and protection in the future.”
Sara Burns - Partner