Violet, 51 years old, Cardiff

Violet went to her GP complaining of an intense headache, the like of which she had never experienced before. The GP immediately sent her to hospital for a CT scan as he suspected a cerebral (brain) bleed. By the time she was examined by a fairly junior doctor the headache was settling a little and the brain scan was not performed. She was diagnosed as having migraine and sent home with painkillers.

Large bleed leading to severe disability

Six days later she had a large bleed into the brain that left her severely disabled and with impaired vision. Often small bleeds act as a warning sign of large bleeds. It is essential that every opportunity to diagnose and treat a bleed is taken to limit the extent of injury to a patient.

Settlement

The hospital admitted liability and settled out of court. JMW Solicitors was successful in obtaining £400,000 for Violet which helps with the cost of care and adaptations to her home.