Young woman wins £2.4m NHS payout

A young woman who suffered permanent vision loss due to a failure to diagnose a serious brain condition has secured a substantial legal settlement of £2.4m from the NHS. The claimant, whose identity remains undisclosed, developed Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension at 28 years of age. This condition, characterised by increased pressure from fluid accumulation around the brain, went unnoticed and untreated for far too long by the medical staff at Frimley Park Hospital in Surrey.

Now residing in Stoke-on-Trent, she faces significant challenges daily, being almost completely blind in one eye and experiencing severely reduced vision in the other, as well as the loss of colour perception. This decline in her eyesight has drastically altered her ability to work and drive, and tragically prevented her from witnessing her own wedding day.

Reflecting on her ordeal, the claimant shared, “The last few years have completely changed my life, and there are parts of my life I know I won't get back. Losing my sight affected every aspect of my life, including my work and independence, and I missed seeing my own wedding because my sight had deteriorated so badly.” She expressed relief that the case is finally over, stating, “I can start to try to build my life again, but no amount of money will change what happened.”

The legal action against Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust began in late 2020 when the claimant realised her vision's deterioration might stem from negligent treatment. A panel of independent medical experts concluded the woman’s condition should have been diagnosed in September 2020, a full nine months before it was finally identified. Experts indicated that earlier intervention would have significantly reduced her vision loss, allowing her to carry out basic tasks.

Lawyers from Veritas Solicitors in Manchester hailed the settlement as a recognition of the severe delays in diagnosis and the profound long-term effects on their client's life. Amina Ali, Partner and Head of Clinical Negligence at Veritas, stated, “This case has been ongoing for several years and reflects the seriousness of the delay in diagnosis and the impact it has had on this young woman. She was in work, living independently and planning for the future. She is now dealing with permanent sight loss, has been unable to return to work and has had to adjust to a very different way of living. The events have had a huge impact on both her physical and mental health. This is a very welcome outcome, and ensures she has the financial support she will need going forward.”

The settlement was reached after the Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust admitted liability, eliminating the need for a trial, and took almost five years to conclude. The £2.4m figure accounts for the woman’s future loss of earnings, her adapted accommodation requirements, ongoing care costs, and provisions for future childcare needs.