£25,000 for vulnerable pensioner who suffered broken back after two falls in hospital
A PENSIONER who fractured her ankle slipping on a step at home has been awarded £25,000 in compensation after breaking her spine following two further falls at Frimley Park Hospital, where she had been admitted for treatment.
The 72-year-old was a vulnerable individual living with a pre-existing brain tumour and short-term memory issues. During her hospital stay she was treated with a half soft cast and admitted to the orthopaedic ward, but went on to suffer two further falls because of negligence, which led to severe consequences.
Following the original fall at home, she was admitted to Frimley Park Hospital and fell during a physiotherapy assessment on 31 October 2019 because the brakes on her hospital bed were not engaged. The next day she suffered a second fall when using a commode as an aid.
As a result, she sustained a fracture to her lumbar vertebra and this had a devastating effect on her mobility, quality of life and mental well-being. She had to wear a brace, and could not stand for longer than five minutes.
With complex care needs already in place, she became bedbound and required daily assistance for basic tasks because of her restricted movement, leading to low mood which severely affected her ability to engage in rehabilitation and treatment.
In 2019, Solicitor Hannah Entwistle helped to bring a negligence case against Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust for failing to ensure the proper care and supervision of a vulnerable patient. As matters progressed, the pensioner’s health deteriorated further and she was diagnosed with dementia in October 2022, an additional complexity which meant Hannah had to treat her claim with extra sensitivity. The case was fully denied by the Defendant Trust, but after court proceedings were issued in June 2024, the Trust made a settlement offer in the sum of £25,000 in September 2024.
Reflecting on a complex and sensitive case, Hannah said: “This highlights the devastating impact that hospital negligence can have, particularly on a vulnerable patient suffering from a pre-existing brain tumour and short-term memory issues.
“It also demonstrates the importance of ensuring that vulnerable patients receive the care and attention they deserve. Her ongoing pain and treatment meant we had to handle the case compassionately, but I’m pleased we were able to secure a fair settlement that acknowledges the failings of the Trust and provides our client with some financial relief to assist with ongoing care needs.”
Have you been affected by medical negligence?
If you or a loved one has suffered in a similar way, our specialist solicitors are here to help – get in touch to discuss your case in confidence.
Back to News
