Jonathan Cornwell represented Martin in respect of his claim for clinical negligence against his GP Practice and the NHS
Martin suffered an adverse drug reaction as a result of using two types of medication that should not have been taken together. He was prescribed Ritonavir (for HIV infection) and Fluticasone (for asthma). A specialist HIV practitioner employed by the NHS failed to warn against prescribing the medication together in a letter which he sent to the GP practice.
As a result of taking the drugs together Martin suffered symptoms of dizziness, weight gain, breathlessness, impaired walking, disturbed sleep, depression, osteoporosis and is now at risk of future adrenal crisis; for which he requires to take lifelong medication.
How we helped Martin
The NHS and the GP Practice both denied that they were at fault for the error. This denial of liability meant that court proceedings had to be raised. We received an offer to settle Martin’s claim shortly after raising proceedings but advised against accepting the offer as it was less than the true value of the claim.
We assembled a team of specialist advocates and medical experts to represent Martin in court and provide us with the reports needed to succeed with Martin’s claim. We obtained evidence from consultants specialising in HIV medicine, Genito-Urinary medicine, Rheumatology, Endocrinology, Psychiatry, Neuropsychiatry as well as Occupational Therapists and Case Managers. There was a great deal of complex interaction between the various experts instructed in respect of the areas identified.
As a result a significantly improved settlement offer of £45,000 was received and accepted a short time before the case called in court.
Martin said;
It has been a long road in finally settling my case, but it was always going to be a very complicated and detailed process in putting across what was a very traumatic event.
From the outset I was always kept informed as to the various stages we were going through. There was a great deal of investigation by the team, which included not only my history but the reading and understanding of all the medical reports I attended during the course of the case.
I can't thank Jonathan and his team enough for all their unwavering tenacity throughout, without whom I don't think I would have the final result and settlement that has been awarded.
Medical negligence – how we can help
We work with an extensive network of medical expert witnesses in all fields of medicine.
We can offer funding solutions to allow you to pursue a claim and meet the cost of instructing expensive medical experts.
We can offer 'After the Event' insurance products to remove the risk involved in proceeding with a claim.
We have an experienced and dedicated team specialising in Medical Negligence.
Jonathan Cornwell is a member of our Medical Negligence team and has over 18 years of relevant experience. He is a Solicitor Advocate and accredited by the Law Society of Scotland as a specialist in Personal Injury Law.
