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Family receives compensation for grandfather's death |
The death of a grandfather who was released from hospital prematurely has led to his family being awarded thousands of pounds in compensation.
Retired lorry driver Cecil Dean was discharged from the University Hospital of North Staffordshire (UHNS), even though his family argued he remained very ill with pneumonia.
They have therefore been awarded a compensation package worth a total of £14,000.
Widow Yvonne told the Sentinel the treatment of Mr Dean by UHNS - which employs almost 7,000 staff and has over 1,000 beds - was "shocking".
"We couldn't believe the hospital sent him out. When he got to the home they hadn't even been told he was on his way and he had none of his drugs with him," she said.
Daughter Debbie pointed out her father had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but should have still had a few years of life left.
She also noted the compensation will not bring Mr Dean back.
Rosamund Rhodes-Kemp, a clinical negligence specialist at KCJ, said: "This case illustrates how badly things can go wrong when there is poor communication and care. It is also another example of why the legal rules governing compensation for fatal accidents need reforming. It is a reasonable settlement based on the existing law but in any view, whatever someone's life expectancy, £14,000 cannot reflect the value of a life."
If you've suffered an injury as the result of an accident at work, the personal injury team at KCJ will be happy to advise you on whether you have a claim.
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