The 51-year-old business owner was treated at the Royal London Hospital in December 2018. A misinterpretation of a CT scan led to avoidable surgical errors, causing severe and permanent brain damage.

This case highlights the devastating consequences of brain haemorrhage misdiagnosis and the importance of specialist legal support in securing compensation for lifelong care, rehabilitation and financial security.

Before the injury, our client – who cannot be named for legal reasons – ran her own successful cleaning company, enjoyed a passion for travelling and, as a devoted mother, had a very active and happy family life.

Her life was turned upside down as a result of avoidable medical errors, leaving her with catastrophic brain injuries which have changed her life and that of her family forever.

With the help of experts at Switalskis, her settlement will now fund the care she will need for the rest of her life with round-the-clock support to enable her to have the best possible quality of life and to support her family too.

A life changed – negligent treatment of a brain haemorrhage

After a CT scan showed a haematoma or bleeding on the left side of her brain, doctors at the Royal London Hospital – part of Barts Health NHS Trust - misinterpreted this and wrongly obstructed an otherwise healthy artery during surgery, cutting off vital blood supply and resulting in catastrophic brain damage.

As a result, she now needs round-the-clock, specialist care, and will do so for the rest of her life. She cannot speak clearly, understand simple instructions or use her right arm, as well suffering other mobility issues such as pronounced weakness in her right leg meaning she can only walk extremely short distances with support.

The injuries also led to her developing epilepsy, with severe seizures frequently requiring hospitalisation. She also has significant memory loss, suffers from poor concentration and has reduced spatial and safety awareness, with the full life she once led now lost to her forever.   

With her once-thriving business forced to close and her husband unable to work due to caring for her and their young daughter, the injury has had a huge effect on the entire family as they have made huge adjustments to their lives and significant sacrifices.

A lifetime of care – what the settlement will fund

Following an admittance of liability and the submission of a range of expert witness statements and other evidence, a settlement was reached in July 2025 and approved at the Royal Courts of Justice in November of that year. This included both a lump sum to allow for the considerable adjustments needed and periodical payments to ensure the 24-hour care she will need in the years ahead.

Switalskis worked closely with care, medical and accommodation experts to identify her specific needs and requirements. This enabled Switalskis team to secure several interim payments, providing funding for vital support and alleviating financial pressure on the family whilst they worked towards a final settlement.

The profound impact of her injuries rendered her home of over 10 years unsuitable for her needs; however, the funds enabled her to move into a suitable property, providing her with an accessible home. Interim payments were also crucial to her rehabilitation as she was able to access much needed therapeutic and medical support such as inpatient neurological rehabilitation.

Switalskis team worked tirelessly to ensure that she and her family would have the security they need as they adjust to a future which was nothing like the one they had planned, and one which threatened unsurmountable financial strain and well as profound distress for the whole family. 

Instead, the successful conclusion to this very difficult case means she is now getting the support and therapy she deserves.

A tragic case but the best possible outcome – our expert’s view

Commenting on the case and settlement, Sarah Walker , Director and deputy head of medical negligence at Switalskis, said: “This is a tragic case which once again shows the devastating impact that negligence and avoidable harm can cause someone, with life-changing consequences.

“It has been a privilege to work with this family, to support and guide them and to help them achieve the outcome they now have where their care needs will be met for life, and they can plan for a better future with confidence.

How Switalskis medical negligence solicitors can help

Our specialist medical negligence solicitors have extensive experience supporting people affected by catastrophic brain injuries .

We understand the complexity of these cases and the importance of securing early rehabilitation, financial support and long-term security for you and your family.

If you are concerned about negligent treatment following a brain haemorrhage or brain injury, we are here to listen and support you.

If you or a loved one has been affected by a brain injury caused by medical negligence, you can contact our team for confidential advice.