Stewarts secured a seven-figure settlement for our client Fiona who sustained a serious brain injury after receiving negligent treatment in hospital.
Background Fiona was 33 years old when she developed acute gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhoea and severe stomach pain. Concerned, her GP sent her to Accident & Emergency with suspected appendicitis. Despite clear symptoms suggesting infection or inflammation and abnormal test results that required investigation, she was discharged from hospital without further assessment.
The following day, her condition deteriorated rapidly. She collapsed in her husband’s arms after suffering a cardiac arrest. Her husband performed CPR until the ambulance arrived 15 minutes later. Paramedics found her airway obstructed with vomit and had to deliver three further cycles of CPR before her heart restarted.
At hospital, clinicians discovered a perforated bowel. Fiona underwent emergency surgery, including a small bowel resection, appendectomy and the formation of a double barrel de-functioning ileostomy. She was moved to intensive care and required a tracheostomy to support her breathing.
Tragically, the cardiac arrest caused a very severe hypoxic brain injury. Experts agreed that Fiona entered a prolonged disorder of consciousness, between a vegetative state and a minimally conscious state. Despite this, she still has awake periods and responds positively to music and the familiar voices of loved ones. Her care needs are complex and extensive.
The legal claim
The Trust admitted early in the legal process that Fiona should never have been discharged from A&E. They accepted that, had she been admitted to hospital as she ought to have been, the hypoxic brain injury, and all its consequences, would have been avoided.
Stewarts secured interim payments, enabling:
- A prolonged inpatient rehabilitation programme at the Wellington Hospital
- Access to private medical treatment
- A comprehensive care and therapy package
- Most importantly, an adapted rental property where Fiona and her husband could live together again.
With a dedicated team of leading medical, care, and accommodation experts, the legal team ultimately achieved a seven-figure settlement for Fiona. This will allow the purchase of a suitable long-term home where she can live safely, supported by her own specialist care and therapy team, for the rest of her life.
On Stewarts:
“The introduction to Stewarts was a critical turning point in the care for my wife. A firm with clear intent, clarity of purpose and a commitment to keeping their client’s best interests as their Pole Star should deliver gold standard outcomes – Stewarts exceeds these standards. Their evaluation, guidance and management of this complex case delivered first in class service and an outcome that ensures my wife’s ongoing care and dignity. They made a long and difficult process navigable, resulting in a successful and life changing outcome.”
On Victoria Williams, Fiona’s solicitor:
“Rooted in ensuring her client’s best interests are served, Victoria has been pivotal in achieving this outcome. Her problem-solving ability, clarity, and calm leadership—combined with thorough preparation and an unshakeable commitment to understanding every detail—instilled confidence during even the toughest moments. She coordinated multiple experts, kept communication clear, and was always available to help. Her exceptional professionalism and humanity ensured my wife’s lifetime needs will be met. I am deeply grateful.”
