‘My client suffered a collapse at home and, during the fall, sustained a heavy impact to the back of his neck.
An ambulance was called and the paramedics noted he had a lot of neck pain and took the appropriate precautions to protect his neck with a collar and block. He was taken to hospital and had a CT scan of the head and neck.
This was reported as normal and the collar and block were removed even though he continued to complain of severe neck pain.
‘Over the course of the next few hours and days, his condition became progressively worse, beginning with reduced movement in the right arm, pins and needles, right arm and leg weakness and, by the following day, he was unable to pass urine.
‘Despite obvious signs there was a neurological problem, an MRI scan was not conducted until 16 days after the incident. This showed two bones in the spinal column, at neck level, had dislocated, causing pressure on the spinal cord.
‘My client underwent surgery but unfortunately, the delayed diagnosis meant the damage could not be reversed and he has been left with permanent disability on his right side meaning he can no longer work and requires ongoing care. His claim was settled for £700,000.’
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