Lee Silk and Jessie Mark acted for a widow and her three children following the tragic death of her husband after a suicide attempt. There were a number of significant failings in the care provided by mental health teams which attracted the attention of the Coroner at an inquest which Curzon Green attended alongside the family. In particular, the Coroner found that the failure to provide prompt medication, to carry out an appropriate health assessment and to provide sufficient support contributed to the husband’s death.
We identified a claim under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976 and assisted with lengthy pre-action correspondence with the Defendant arising from their negligent care. Liability was admitted and the parties moved to consider quantum, which involved the thorny issue of calculating the loss to the family, which included obtaining evidence from the deceased husband’s former employer as to his career prospects and his likely pension income, as well as considering his wider services to the family.
Following a successful Joint Settlement Meeting with the Defendant, Curzon Green secured a sizeable settlement for the widow and three children which was subsequently approved by the Court.
Whilst no settlement could ever look to compensate the family for the huge loss they have all suffered, it is hoped that the settlement will help support them through an incredibly difficult time and to plan for their futures.