Medical Negligence Lawyers Asked To Investigate And Support Devastated Family

The devastated widow of a 29-year-old dad who died 24 hours after being seen at a GP surgery is hoping an inquest will provide her with answers.

Michael Reynolds, from Boston, Lincolnshire, was seen at a surgery on the outskirts of the town complaining of a bad cough and sore throat which wasn’t improving.

The HGV Driver was prescribed a steroid nasal spray for allergies and referred for a chest X-ray later that day. However, his throat got progressively worse and he had difficulty sleeping and completing everyday tasks due to the pain.

Dad diagnosed with tonsilitis

By the following morning, Michael was unable to eat or swallow. He attended the GP surgery after managing to swap a phone call for an urgent face to face appointment. He was diagnosed with tonsilitis and prescribed antibiotics.

Shortly after returning home, and while his 19-month-old son Jacob was asleep upstairs, Michael collapsed and began having a seizure. His wife Charlotte, a secondary school teacher, called an ambulance and performed chest compressions until the ambulance arrived. Michael was taken to hospital. His condition deteriorated and he died the next morning.

Wife instructs medical negligence lawyers to investigate husband's death

Following Michael’s sudden death in December 2023, Charlotte instructed expert medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his care and to support her through the inquest.

Charlotte, now 31, has now spoken for the first time about her loss and how she hopes the inquest will provide her with the answers she needs.

Rosie Charlton is the specialist medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Charlotte.

Expert Opinion

“Losing Michael has left Charlotte completely traumatised, particularly given his young age and the tragic and unexpected circumstances surrounding his death.

“The past 18 months have been incredibly difficult as she attempts to come to terms with life now and raising their young son without her husband by her side.

“What’s particularly distressing for Charlotte are the many questions and concerns she has over the care Michael received before he died and whether more could have been done to help him.

“While nothing will ever make up for her loss, or bring Michael back, the inquest is a major milestone in being able to provide Charlotte with the answers she and Jacob deserve.

“If, during the course of the hearing, any issues are identified, lessons need to be learned to improve patient safety for others.” Rosie Charlton

Michael Reynolds' inquest: Charlotte pays tribute to "most loving husband"

Michael had a telephone appointment on 29 November 2023 and was seen at the surgery the following day.

He died on 1 December 2023, leaving behind Charlotte and their son Jacob who is now three.

Charlotte said: “Michael was the most loving husband and a fantastic and hands-on daddy to Jacob. Everyone who knew him loved him.

"He was incredibly selfless and would go out of his way to help others. For him to be taken from us so suddenly will be something we’ll never recover from.

“He was only 29 and had his whole life ahead of him. We had so many plans together, and it’s been ripped away in the cruellest way possible. Jacob should be spending time with his daddy, not telling me how much he wants him back.

“To this day, I still can’t comprehend that I’ll never see Michael again, but I’ll make sure that Jacob knows how much his daddy loved him.

“I’d give anything to have our little family back together, but I know that’s not possible. Reliving everything at the inquest will be very distressing, but it’s something I need to do to honour Michael’s memory and get the answers he deserves.”

An inquest into Michael’s death is due to be heard at Lincolnshire Coroner’s Court, The Myle Cross Centre starting on 8 July and scheduled for two days.

Support available

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting patients and families affected by care failings at our dedicated medical negligence section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.