Death after head injury
Ryan was playing with friends one afternoon on a trampoline when he accidentally fell off from a height of approximately five feet landing on a concrete surface and banging his head.
Ryan complained of a persistent headache that was not improving with painkillers and therefore his mother, Julie, initially obtained advice from the family GP. However, Ryan’s pain and discomfort to his head continued and he was taken to the minor injuries unit at Cannock Hospital where he was seen by a doctor. A brief history was taken but certain vital signs were allegedly not observed. Ryan was advised that there was nothing to worry about and that he should expect to have a headache for a few days.
Ryan returned home where his pain and discomfort continued to get worse and so he went to bed. The following morning Ryan was found lying on the floor in his bedroom by his family. He had vomited in his room. An ambulance was called but sadly Ryan was pronounced dead at the scene. He had died as a consequence of an extradural haematoma caused by the bang to the head. Medical evidence obtained on behalf of the family confirmed that with earlier intervention, Ryan would have survived.
A claim was pursued against the local NHS Trust and an undisclosed sum was issued in compensation. The solicitor with conduct of the matter was Mandy Luckman.