Hodge Jones & Allen

14th April 2011

 

Two Hodge Jones & Allen clients have won a total of £3.3m damages from clinical negligence claims against Whipps Cross Hospital, following partial admissions of liability by the hospital for a series of strokes they had whilst they were in its care.

 

Our clients, O and W, who are sisters, both have sickle cell disease, a genetic condition which affects the haemoglobin in red blood cells.  Whilst under the care of Whipps Cross Hospital, both sisters suffered a number of devastating strokes as a result of their sickle cell disease, leaving them disabled. They will both need constant care for the rest of their lives.

Client O was admitted to the hospital after her first stroke.  She was given blood transfusions intermittently,  however these were not sufficient to manage her condition, and after being discharged she suffered three more strokes.  She was awarded £1.9m.

Client W was taken to Whipps Cross A&E by her mother on suspicion of a stroke but was sent away.  It was later confirmed that she had in fact suffered a stroke, affecting her speech and right arm.  A month later she suffered another, this one leaving her with permanent disabilities. She was awarded £1.4m.

 

Sufferers of sickle cell have "sickle haemoglobin" which causes red blood cells to stick together. Smaller blood vessels can become blocked by the clusters of cells, meaning organs are deprived of oxygen. The condition is severely painful and dangerous.

 

The cases were run by Olivia Lawson and Nina Ali, both partners in the clinical negligence team at Hodge Jones & Allen LLP. On the outcome, Nina commented: "This was an incredibly sad case where first one and then the second sister’s symptoms were repeatedly ignored with devastating results. There were considerable problems throughout the running of the case including crucial medical records going missing and the death of a key expert. Both of our clients and their mother were very pleased with the settlements and they are relieved to finally be able put the case behind them and get on with their lives."

BBC news reported this case.