Six figure settlement for widow whose husband died following delays in diagnosis of chondrosarcoma

Sharon Allison, Head of Medical Negligence, has obtained a six-figure settlement for the widow of Mr K, who sadly died following a delay in diagnosis of chondrosarcoma.

Following a lot of hip pain, Mr K underwent an X-Ray in April 2018, however the scan image was reported incorrectly. Shortly after this, he had to give up work due to his ongoing pain and discomfort. He underwent a number of hip injections to try to alleviate his pain, but they were not successful.

In December 2018, his pain was so severe that he attended A & E . His hip required replacement, however at the same time, it was discovered that he had an extensive chondrosarcoma of the hip. In order to deal with the cancer and the hip pain, Mr K was advised that he needed a right leg amputation which took place in February 2019.

Following this extensive and significant surgical procedure, Mr K was informed in May 2019 that the cancer had spread, and he passed away five months later at home with his family.

Expert evidence confirmed that there was evidence on the scan in April 2018 which would have led to an earlier diagnosis and that he underwent an unnecessary amputation which significantly affected his quality of life in his final few months.

Sharon Allison, Partner and Head of Medical Negligence at Ashtons Legal, says: “Whilst the failure to pick up on the scan early to lead to a more timely diagnosis was bad enough but to spend your final months incapacitated and trying to come to terms with a life-changing amputation with the knowledge that your cancer had spread, must have been unimaginable for Mr K and for the family around him.

“He was a very hands-on and capable man who could turn his hands to anything, so to lose his mobility during such a difficult time would have been profoundly difficult. No amount of money can ever compensate any family in a fatal claim for their loss, however conclusion of the claim and achieving that accountability on the part of the Trust responsible will bring much-needed closure to a grieving family.”

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