Doctors failed her - Family of teacher who died after operation believe

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A teacher who died after routine surgery on her ankle was failed by doctors five times, her family has said.

35-year-old Laura Griffiths died from pulmonary infarction at Pinderfields Hospital on December 31, 2019.

The mum-of-two from Huddersfield had surgery the previous day after she broke her ankle on a night out on December 14. Contributory causes for her death were given as pulmonary thromboembolism, resulting from deep vein thrombosis in her left leg and traumatic ankle fracture operation.

Doctors failed her

However, her family has claimed that there were “many missed opportunities by numerous health professionals” involved in Laura’s care, that may have been able to save her.

NHS failures

This week, the inquest into Laura’s death continued at Bradford Coroners’ Court, as doctors gave evidence about the care she received before and after the surgery.

However, the family’s barrister, Sarah Edwards, raised questions about “two missed doses” of Tinzaparin, a drug used for the treatment of deep venous thrombosis, in the days leading up to surgery.

According to reports, Laura did not take the drug on December 22 and 23 because she had completed her seven-day supply.

But the barrister queried a 90-minute delay in providing Tinzaparin on the evening of December 30.

‘Sub-optimal doses’

The family also questioned whether Laura received “sub-optimal” doses of Tinzaparin after surgery due to her weight being incorrectly recorded.

The family’s lawyer explained that Laura had been suffering pain and swelling in her knee in the days before surgery, but she was not fully examined. If she had been assessed, the blood clot may have been found behind her knee, it was added.

Meanwhile, Laura’s family also said her risk of thrombosis was high and she should have been examined.

However, giving evidence, Dr Ehab Kheir told assistant coroner, Angela Brocklehurst, it was “unlikely” the delay in prescribing Tinzaparin had had a detrimental effect.

Dr Kheir said he was aware of Laura’s high risk from venous thromboembolism when he had seen her on December 30.

The doctor said he had asked Laura if she was taking injections to counter deep vein thrombosis and she had said she was.

He said Laura had not mentioned pain in the back of her knee on the day of the operation.

The hearing has now been adjourned to allow the coroner to consider her conclusion and for lawyers for the family and the hospital trust to file final submissions to the coroner.

Five failures family say could otherwise have saved her:

1 and 2: “Two missed doses” of Tinzaparin, a drug used for the treatment of deep venous thrombosis, in the days leading up to surgery.

3: A 90-minute delay in providing Tinzaparin on the evening of December 30.

4: Laura was given ‘sub-optimal’ doses of Tinzaparin after surgery – due to her weight being incorrectly recorded.

5: Laura had been suffering pain and swelling in her knee in the days before surgery and, had she been fully examined and assessed before surgery, a blood clot may have been found behind her knee.

In a statement, her mum Cath said her daughter’s death had come as a “huge shock” and everyone had been left heartbroken.

Cath said Laura was “determined, loyal, funny, stroppy, loving, supportive, dedicated, caring, courageous and strong”.

Laura had obtained three separate university degrees and had developed a passion for helping children with special needs. She had also been an award-winning gymnast and had a black belt in taekwondo.

Medical negligence claims

If yourself or a loved one has suffered as a result of medical negligence, you may be entitled to claim compensation for the damages.

How to make a medical negligence claim

Medical negligence claims are subject to a three-year limitation period. This means that claims have to be commenced within the courts within three years of either the date the negligent act occurred or the date you became aware that negligence had occurred.

In cases involving deceased victims, this limitation period commences from the date of death and in cases involving minors, the limitation period starts when they reach their 18th Birthday.

The law surrounding limitation periods is complex, our specialist team will be able to advise further.

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The victim of the negligence can bring about a claim in their own right. However, it may sadly be the case that the victim is no longer able to bring about a claim or has passed. In such circumstances, a claim can be brought about by the executor of the estate or an authorised person.

For further information about whether you can bring about a claim, please contact the medical negligence team who will be able to advise further.

What do I need to prove to make a claim?

For a successful medical negligence claim, it needs to be proven that:

The healthcare provider had a duty or obligation to you.
The healthcare provider fell short due to medical negligence.
You were harmed as a direct result of the medical negligence.

What evidence should I provide?

Our medical negligence team will assist you in obtaining the evidence needed. However, the following can be useful to assist with your claim:

Medical notes
Diary entries of what occurred
Any communication from GPs or healthcare professionals
Witness statements
Proof of loss of earnings

How long will my claim take?

Given the complexities involved in pursuing medical negligence claims, they can often take 12-18 months to conclude and longer if Court proceedings have to be issued.

Our investigations start by obtaining all relevant records and protocols before approaching the Defendants in claims of this nature. Depending upon the injury suffered, independent medical experts may need to be consulted.

We will provide you with regular updates on the progress of your case to ensure that you are kept up to speed.

How much compensation will I get?

For medical negligence cases, we will pursue two forms of compensation for you:

Firstly we will pursue compensation known as general damages:

This is an award of money for the pain and suffering you have endured as a result of the negligence. General damages will be awarded based on the severity and ongoing effects of the injury. The Judicial College guidelines will be used as a framework for how much you will be awarded.

Secondly, we will pursue compensation known as special damages:

This is an award of money for all of your out-of-pocket expenses such as travel expenses, medication costs, loss of earnings, and treatment costs both past and future. This list is not exhaustive and is very case-specific.

Why should I use Oakwood Solicitors Ltd?

We have a dedicated team of solicitors and paralegals who have many years of experience between them in running cases of this nature. They are highly trained to deal with all aspects of clinical and medical negligence.

Oakwood Solicitors Ltd wishes to ensure that clients are not overwhelmed by legal jargon or medical terms that they don’t understand and aims to allow the claims procedure to be as transparent as possible.

Family of teacher who died after routine operation say doctors failed her 5 times