by Richard Robins
12 October 2010
A man has won a personal injury claim of £2 million after bringing a medical negligence claim against Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.
Neal Allen, 42, was left brain damaged for life after he was admitted to hospital in May 2003.
Mr Allen suffers from a condition called Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT), according to the Cambridge News, which makes him susceptible to cerebral abscesses through the development of abnormal blood vessels.
Despite the fact that Mr Allen carried a medical alert card to warn doctors of his condition, and that the paramedic who admitted him to casualty had written a note, in capital letters, to the same effect, he was misdiagnosed as having suffered a stroke and sent home. He was readmitted two days later when his condition deteriorated dramatically.The brain injury that resulted from his treatment has left him needing round the clock care for the rest of his life. He also struggles with memory and cognitive functions, and is incapable of independent living.
Depsite numerous denials of liability from Addenbrooke’s and the case being brought just before the time-limitation period expired, Mr Allen eventually won a lump sum of just over £1 million, with regular payments for the rest of his life.