AB v A Lancashire Health Care Trust
Henry Vanderpump, instructed by Leonie Millard of Forbes Solicitors, represented an individual whose partner died by suicide as a result of the negligent care of mental health services.
The claim was complex because the Deceased saw multiple professionals from different agencies over three days. The Deceased was a well-paid and respected professional who developed an acute onset of psychosis and became delusional. Initially seen by paramedics, they reported the delusions to the police and arranged for the Deceased to be arrested rather than cared for.
The Deceased spent a night in police cells. During the days prior to death, there were also attendances at A&E, the GP, a walk-in center, and assessment by the mental health services to determine the need for emergency admission. Henry and Forbes supported the surviving partner and family during a week-long inquest involving five agencies. Proceedings were pursued soley against the health trust, and a settlement for those entitled of £750,000 was achieved at a JSM, which the Court has now approved.
The case highlighted the dangers of first-onset psychosis and the tragic consequences of mishandling diagnosis and treatment. It also revealed the benefits of pursuing one Defendant to achieve an earlier settlement without protracted litigation.
Leonie Millard from Forbes has written an article about the case which is available on their website: Mental Health Failures and Suicide: Key Findings from a Clinical Negligence Inquest.
