£15,000 for the family of a loved one failed by the NHS

This claim arises as the result of the unfortunate death of Mr J. Mr J who was 25 at the time presented, along with his mother, at an accident and emergency department operated by the Defendants.

Mr J presented describing a history of depressions with ongoing low mood since losing his job the year previous. He described auditory hallucinations and suicidal thoughts. He further indicated that he wanted to set himself alight with petrol and described a recent suicide attempt that morning by burning.

He had a full mental health assessment by two members of the liaison team and was identified as being at risk of further deterioration if care intervention was not implemented and that he would benefit from a hospital admission for an extended period of assessment, treatment and monitoring. He agreed to an informal admission but would have been considered for a formal admission under the Mental Health Act if he had refused. He was referred to the gatekeeper for assessment by the Crisis and Home Treatment Team who decided to treat him at home despite the protests from his mother and the views expressed by the liaison team.

Tragically, within hours of discharge home, he left his house, purchased petrol and set light to himself and suffered severe burns and later died of his injuries. The family contacted Aston Knight Solicitors initially for advice on representing them at the Inquest into Mr J’s death. We agreed to represent the family at the inquest, and immediately secured the family legal aid to pay for the representation and fought for an article 2 inquest.

The coroner heard from a number of witnesses and although the purpose of an inquest is not to lay blame the coroner recorded in his verdict that the failure to admit him to hospital was a lost opportunity to treat Mr J that probably would have prevented his death. Following the inquest, we continued to act for the family and was successful in securing a settlement in the sum of £15,000.

The family commented: “Emma, we appreciate all your support throughout this case. You have been really amazing in guiding us through the difficult process of getting justice for Mr J and it was really important for my mum especially to fight for Mr J in what has been an emotional time for us all.

We could not have done this without you :)”

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