Compensation for death due to complications following discharge after bowel surgery
Shoosmiths were instructed by Mrs Jacqueline Lloyd after the death of her husband, David Barry Lloyd. Mr Lloyd underwent a left hemicolectomy on 02 March 2011 for suspected bowel cancer at the New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton.Following the procedure Mr Lloyd experienced abdominal pains, profuse sweating, pyrexia, nausea and a loss of appetite. His symptoms persisted over a number of days but he was discharged home on the 08 March 2011. he continued to experience his distressing symptoms at home and the Coseley District Nurses were contacted.
However on 11 March Mr Lloyd collapsed and suffered a cardiac arrest in the presence of both Mrs Lloyd and her son. He was readmitted to hospital but pronounced dead a few hours later.
An Inquest into Mr Lloyd's death was opened by the coroner at the Black Country District Registry and closed on 10 May 2012. The narrative verdict concluded that the cause of death was due to sepsis, peritonitis, leaking anastomosis (following left hemicolectomy performed in March 2011).
We obtained expert evidence that confirmed Mr Lloyd should not have been discharged home when he was. We successfully argued that, had he remained in hospital, it is likely that he could have been treated and survived. The Trust responsible for New Cross Hospital admitted liability and settled the claim.
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