The client had suffered from polycystic kidney disease (PKD) for several years. A consequence of this disease is high blood pressure which needs to be carefully monitored and controlled.
The client was employed by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) in the Royal Navy as a Weapons Engineer. The MOD were aware of his diagnosis of PKD and from then on, he was regularly seen by different medical professions at the Royal Navy Hospital. Whilst they noted high blood pressure readings, these were not adequately controlled and there was a failure to refer him to the Nephrologist. He was eventually referred to the hospital but was not given an appointment until months later.
As a result of the failures to treat the hypertension, the client suffered a massive stroke which left him with severe permanent disability. The MOD and the two hospital Trusts admitted that treatment was negligent and that the devastating consequences of the stroke would have been avoided had he received appropriate care.
A claim was made for the huge financial impact of the negligence as well as for the catastrophic injuries that the client suffered. Claims were made for loss of earnings, care and therapy costs, single-storey accommodation, aids, and equipment. The case settled out of court for a lump sum payment plus an annual payment for life, which will be used to pay for the client’s ongoing care.