J developed a severe ear infection which spread to his brain & led to a subdural empyema (brain infection), resulting in hearing loss, uncontrolled epilepsy, and cognitive impairment. He was likely to require 24/7 care for the rest of his life and unlikely to work again. The claim was initially against 3 different GPs who had assessed J over several days before his collapse and emergency neurosurgery.
Eventually, one of the GPs admitted breach of duty but not all issues of causation. Significant interim payments were obtained to enable J to optimise epilepsy treatment, to appoint Case Manager and professional Deputy, and set up rehabilitation programme and care regime.
A multi-million-pound lump-sum settlement agreed between the parties was approved by the Court rather than a periodical payments order, which was not an option due to the insecurity of the insurers funding the settlement.