22.10.2014
Andrew Grennan, from Aldridge in Walsall, suffered horrendous injuries including a ruptured spleen and other internal injuries after his bike hit a pothole during a motorcycle tour in Mongolia in June 2014. The trip was organised by Nick Sanders Expeditions – Mr Sanders is a record-breaking motorcyclist and author who has travelled the world on his bike.
During an inquest at Birmingham Coroner’s Court today (22nd October), where the family were represented by international personal injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell, Coroner Elizabeth Bussey-Jones heard evidence that despite a tour medic, suspecting the 43-year-old had internal bleeding, it took over nine hours for him to arrive at the closest hospital even though it was only 37 miles away over desert terrain.
When the businessman was admitted to hospital in Mongolia, hospital staff diagnosed following a CT scan that Andrew had a ruptured spleen and needed immediate surgery to stem the bleeding. However, during surgery, doctors discovered that 3.5 litres of blood had collected in Andrew’s abdomen and he failed to regain consciousness after the operation.
Coroner Elizabeth Bussey-Jones recorded a narrative verdict and said that she hoped that the company would focus on what had happened and consider what could have been done better and how best to protect the people travelling with them.
Specialist International Personal Injury Lawyers Instructed By Devastated Family To Find Answers About Their Loss
The devastated family of a father-of-three who died after it took tour guides over NINE hours to get him to a hospital that was 37 miles away when he came off his motorbike have spoken out for the first time following the inquest into his death.Andrew Grennan, from Aldridge in Walsall, suffered horrendous injuries including a ruptured spleen and other internal injuries after his bike hit a pothole during a motorcycle tour in Mongolia in June 2014. The trip was organised by Nick Sanders Expeditions – Mr Sanders is a record-breaking motorcyclist and author who has travelled the world on his bike.
During an inquest at Birmingham Coroner’s Court today (22nd October), where the family were represented by international personal injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell, Coroner Elizabeth Bussey-Jones heard evidence that despite a tour medic, suspecting the 43-year-old had internal bleeding, it took over nine hours for him to arrive at the closest hospital even though it was only 37 miles away over desert terrain.
When the businessman was admitted to hospital in Mongolia, hospital staff diagnosed following a CT scan that Andrew had a ruptured spleen and needed immediate surgery to stem the bleeding. However, during surgery, doctors discovered that 3.5 litres of blood had collected in Andrew’s abdomen and he failed to regain consciousness after the operation.
Coroner Elizabeth Bussey-Jones recorded a narrative verdict and said that she hoped that the company would focus on what had happened and consider what could have been done better and how best to protect the people travelling with them.
Expert Opinion
This has been an incredibly difficult time for the family who have understandably been devastated by their loss.
“Expedition companies should have stringent safety measures in place that ensure that if a traveller is injured unexpectedly; a plan of action is followed that allows the injured party to receive the appropriate medical care as quickly as possible.
“We will continue to work with the family as they come to terms with this tragedy and we will be investigating the accident to help further understand exactly what happened. We are now going to be working with the family to secure vital funds for them to ensure their future is financially secure.”
Lesley Edwards - Senior Associate
His wife, Claire, age 40, who is bringing up the couple’s three children, said: “Andrew absolutely loved his motorbike and he was really looking forward to this trip to Mongolia. He was very much a family man, very hard working and never complained about anything.
“Our family has been left heartbroken by losing Andrew in such tragic circumstances – as the extent of his injuries were horrific and we are desperate to find out why there was no sense of urgency to get him to hospital for potentially lifesaving treatment.
“We would like to thank the Coroner for looking into the accident for us and hope that with the help of our team at Irwin Mitchell we will be able to find answers to all of our questions.”
If you or a loved one has been injured in motorbike accident, our motorcycle accident solicitors could help you claim compensation. Visit our Road Traffic Accident Compensation page for more information.
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