Irwin Mitchell’s specialist medical negligence team has successfully secured £100,000 for the family of Mr Michael Cornes, a 63-year-old man who suffered a life-altering leg amputation following avoidable failings in hospital care.
What happened to Michael?
Michael had lived in a nursing home in Bedfordshire since 2014, managing a complex medical history that included multiple sclerosis and prior cardiac conditions.
When he was admitted to Bedford Hospital with abdominal pain, vomiting, and suspected bowel obstruction, clinicians discovered a perforated gallbladder requiring urgent treatment.
Despite clear signs that Michael was at an elevated risk of developing pressure ulcers, including documented moisture lesions and visible redness, his care plan did not include essential pressure-relieving measures.
Critical points in his Waterlow Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment were overlooked, and an air mattress was noted as necessary but not prescribed.
As his condition worsened, Michael developed severe pressure damage that led to avoidable deep tissue injuries and a necrotic ulcer, ultimately requiring an above-knee amputation of his left leg.
Months later, Michael’s health deteriorated further, and although he was tragically unable to see his claim through, Irwin Mitchell continued to act on behalf of his daughter.
How did Irwin Mitchell’s medical negligence solicitors help?
We instructed tissue viability and vascular experts to comment on medical negligence. Their expert evidence helped us to build a robust case against Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. We were able to prove that Michael’s amputation could have been avoided with appropriate care. The Trust admitted full liability in this claim.
Vascular and prosthetics experts were instructed to provide their recommendations for Michael’s future therapies and equipment needs. Despite efforts to settle the claim, Michael sadly passed away before settlement could be reached. However, his daughter became our client, and we pursued the claim for medical negligence on her behalf.
What This Means for Michael’s family
The compensation awarded acknowledges the significant pain and suffering Michael endured and has since provided his loved ones with funds to support Michael’s funeral costs and begin rebuilding their lives after the death of their father and grandfather after medical negligence.
Expert Insight
Michael’s claim was handled by Priya Saddington-Poole, a solicitor in our specialist medical negligence team.
Speaking of the case, Priya commented: “Michael’s suffering was entirely avoidable. The care he received fell far below acceptable standards, and it is deeply upsetting that these oversights led to an avoidable and life-changing amputation.
“This is a glaring example of just how vital it is for patients to receive the highest level of care in all situations.
“While nothing can undo the pain Michael endured whilst under the care of Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, I am delighted that we were able to settle this claim and secure justice on behalf of his family.”
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