Injury claim news

Personal injury solicitors could help family claim compensation

The fiancée of a man who died from organ failure has made a compensation claim against the NHS helpline after they allegedly told him to take a couple of painkillers.

Kerry Robertson, of Montrose, Aberdeen, contacted personal injury solicitors and made an injury claim against the NHS helpline after they are said to have diagnosed her fiancé with having flu-like symptoms and advised that he should take a couple of paracetamol.

Steven Wiseman, 30, was in agonising pain and contacted the helpline in December 2004, making numerous telephone calls from his sickbed, answering each one of the phone operator's questions.

Several days later, Mr Wiseman was drifting in and out of consciousness and his skin was turning black and blue. An ambulance was sent for the father of two, but doctors at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary were unable to resuscitate him.

Worried about the futures of their two young daughters, Ms Robertson made a compensation claim for £700,000 after it was confirmed that Mr Wiseman had died from septic shock.

She said, "This is not just about the money, though it is going to help the girls.

"We have never had an apology from NHS 24 or any admission of fault from NHS 24 and that still makes me so angry.

"I have decided to fight because I feel like it's the only way to force these people to take some responsibility."

Stephen's mother has also contacted personal injury solicitors and made a £50,000 compensation claim for medical negligence against the NHS.

She said, "I am sorry that it's had to go to court this way but as far as I am concerned they have taken my son away and they should have to pay for it."