Mrs L underwent a scan in 2015 which showed a mass, which was thought to be lung cancer, and possible liver metastases with an incidental finding of hydronephrosis.
Mrs L attended the hospital in May 2015 for a possible biopsy. Her blood sodium levels were low and therefore the procedure was cancelled, but Mrs L was still admitted to the hospital. Anticoagulant blood thinning medication was prescribed and administered on 12 May.
On 13 May, an urgent liver biopsy was requested and therefore anticoagulant medication was not given.
However, anticoagulant medication was administered on 14 May. On that same day, a liver biopsy was undertaken. The procedure was unremarkable and she returned to the ward and was given further anticoagulant medication.
Later that day, her condition began to deteriorate. She was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit with a suspected intra-abdominal bleed. Her condition did not improve and she passed away on 15 May.
The cause of death was a significant internal bleed.
Incident Investigation
The Trust carried out a Serious Incident Investigation which found that the prescription of anticoagulant therapy should not have been given on the day of the liver biopsy or the day before, and admitted that the incorrect administration of the anticoagulant caused the significant bleed which resulted in Mrs L’s death.
The family of Mrs L instructed Nelsons to pursue a claim in Clinical Negligence for the avoidable death of Mrs L.
Expert evidence confirmed that if Mrs L had not been administered the anticoagulant medication, she would have survived. However, the cancer from which she was already suffering could not have been cured and she would have died within 12 months in any event.
The Trust formally admitted liability for the purposes of the claim and a settlement was reached for a five-figure sum.
The family were represented by Danielle Young. If you would like more information or advice on pursuing a claim for compensation, please contact a member of our Medical Negligence team.