£170,000 settlement for delayed abscess drainage causing premature death

Forbes Solicitors has successfully secured a £170,000 compensation settlement for the family of a 68-year-old man who tragically died following negligent hospital care. The case centred on a failure to promptly drain an intra-abdominal abscess, a delay that the Defendant NHS Trust admitted had directly contributed to the patient’s premature death.

Failure to Act Promptly on a Treatable Condition

The incident occurred on 16th June 2020, when the deceased, a retired individual in otherwise stable health, was under the care of a hospital trust. The Defendant later admitted liability, acknowledging that they had negligently failed to perform timely surgical intervention to drain the abscess.

This medical oversight resulted in the patient’s untimely passing, with experts agreeing that earlier treatment could likely have saved his life. Although causation was accepted, there remained significant dispute around the extent of the losses, including the deceased’s projected life expectancy and the appropriate financial assessment of the family’s dependency.

Taking Legal Action After Medical Negligence

After the patient’s death, the family sought legal advice from Forbes Solicitors. The firm’s Clinical Negligence team provided specialist guidance throughout the process, helping the Claimant understand their legal options and secure expert medical opinions to support the case.

Under the leadership of Leonie Millard, the case progressed efficiently. Despite complex discussions regarding the valuation of dependency and future financial loss, the legal team secured a favourable settlement of £170,000 on behalf of the deceased’s estate and dependents.

Supporting Families After Preventable Hospital Failures

This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of timely medical intervention and the critical role of accountability in clinical settings. Families affected by similar cases of delayed diagnosis or treatment are encouraged to seek legal advice promptly. A successful clinical negligence claim can offer both financial support and a measure of justice after a preventable loss.

For those who have suffered due to medical failings, speaking to a solicitor with experience in fatal claims can be the first step toward closure and compensation.

How Forbes Solicitors Can Help You

Our expert no win, no fee solicitors will discuss your claim with you and ascertain whether you have a viable claim and a strong chance of success. We offer services nationwide. We can offer consultations by telephone or video call or in any of our branches across the UK. Our no win, no fee solicitors will focus on recovering maximum compensation for your injuries quickly.

If you have experienced an injury at work or need legal guidance, our team is here to help. For more information, or to discuss your case, contact our Clinical Negligence division.