£27,000 DVT Claim Settled Against Royal Free London NHS

Nicholas Leahy

Successful settlement for DVT case against Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust

Successful Settlement of £27,000.00 for DVT Claim against Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust in which liability was partially admitted.

Nick Leahy, an associate in the Clinical Negligence department at Osbornes Law, has successfully settled a case for a client who suffered severe complications due to a failure to treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT) at Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust.

The case

Our client, as referred to as C, had suffered an injury to her left ankle and was treated for a displaced fracture at a hospital of the defendant trust. Around three weeks later, C suffered sudden pain, swelling and tension in her entire left leg, along with pitting oedema. She was taken to a hosptial of the defendant trust by an ambulance where a doppler scan showed extensive DVT from the left superficial femoral junction (SFJ) to the popliteal trifurcation.

C was diagnosed with DVT and was advised that a blood-thinning medication (rivaroxaban) would be prescribed to her for treatment. However, upon her discharge from the hospital later the same day, she was only given painkillers and was told to return the following day to collect her medication as there were no anticoagulants available at the hosptial at her time of discharge.

C had growing concerns while at home so consulted a private doctor who advised her to return to the hospital and insist on receiving her medication. On her return to the hosptial, C was again told they did not have any rivaroxaban available; she consequently sought treatment from a different hosptial where she was diagnosed with pulmonary embolism on admission. It was found that C’s DVT had extended to her iliac veins and was required to undergo catheter directed thrombolysis, and stenting of her iliac vein.

Due to the delay in prescribing anticoagulants, C required an extended stay in hospital including a period in the intensive care unit. Her venous stent is permanent and increases the chances of her facing additional complications in future. C continues to suffer with chronic pain to her left leg and is unable to stand or sit for long periods of time. C also suffered psychologically as the result of her injuries, the effects of which are still ongoing.

Expert evidence was provided by a vascular surgeon which supported the argument that the failure to administer anticoagulants was a breach of duty. The expert also supported the argument that timely administration of the drug would have prevented the risk extension of the DVT to our client’s iliac vein and the pulmonary embolism, on the balance of probabilities.

Liability

The defendant trust admitted liability for C’s DVT extending into her iliac veins. However, the trust denied that pulmonary embolism would have been avoidable if anticoagulants had been administered sooner. Following negotiations, the defendant subsequently put forward a settlement offer of £27,000 which was accepted by C. This was to account for C’s pain, suffering and loss of amenity, past and future losses.

Client Testimonial

“Osbornes Law firm accepted my case after being turned down by another law firm. The lawyer, attached to my case, was extremely helpful and beyond. After the traumatic experience I had gone through, this much attentiveness helped with all the stress I had in me. He was always available to answer my questions and guide me when needed. I would gladly recommend Osbornes Law firm and go back to them if I ever need a Law firm, in the future.”

How can we help?

If you’ve suffered due to a medical procedure, our Medical Negligence solicitors are here to support you. Contact Osbornes Law by:

• Filling in our online enquiry form; or
• Calling us on 020 7485 8811