The Claimant presented at A&E suffering from acute asthma. Those responsible for the Claimant’s care and treatment did not diagnose, investigate or treat the asthma.
It was the Claimant’s case that the Defendant should have considered a diagnosis of asthma because she had a significantly elevated heart rate and respiratory rate. Her breathing was silent which, coupled with an elevated heart rate and respiratory rate, was suggestive of acute asthma. A peak flow reading should have been undertaken, which would have indicated asthma.
Had correct diagnosis of Asthma been made the Claimant would have been administered IV bronchodilators and steroids and an anaesthetic review arranged, which would likely have resulted in the Claimant being ventilated.
Instead, the Clamant was treated for a suspected pulmonary embolism with the administration of anti – coagulants, although somewhat, illogically, she was also given a nebuliser and Salbutamol.
As a result of the Asthma not being correctly identified and treated, the Claimant suffered a cardiac arrest. Regrettably due the cardiac arrest causing lack of oxygen to the brain, the Claimant suffered a hypoxic injury which would have been avoided with appropriate diagnosis and treatment
The Defendant subsequently agreed breach of duty but denied causation and initially did not accept that the Claimant had suffered a brain injury as a result of the cardiac arrest.
The Claimant suffered from memory loss and erratic behaviours as a result of the brain injury and relied heavily on family members to assist her with everyday tasks and the running of a household.
Eventually the Defendant admitted causing the brain injury and the Claimant was subsequently recognised as a Protected Party by the Court of Protection. The matter settled, at a joint settlement meeting in the sum of £2 million.
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