North Tyneside man's compensation claim finally settled

30 Apr 2009

On 27 April Joseph Neale currently resident at Elpha Lodge Care Home Northumberland finally received approval from the Court of compensation following his clinical negligence claim against Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. 

Mr Neale has received an undisclosed seven figure sum in compensation which will finally enable him to move out of Elpha Lodge Care Home and purchase a house of his own near to his daughter Helen Todd in Washington.

Mr Neale’s problems began in July 2002 when he fell and struck his head and began to suffer from a bad headache and dizziness. He attended his GP who referred him to North Tyneside General Hospital specifically raising his concerns about a potentially developing head injury.  The Claimant was discharged and subsequently returned to his GP when his symptoms worsened.  The GP referred Mr Neale again to North Tyneside General Hospital but unfortunately it was too late.  His condition deteriorated and by this time, Mr Neale had developed a serious brain injury.

Mr Neale was transferred as an emergency to Newcastle General Hospital where he required surgery.  He has made a reasonable recovery but has been left with significant neurological damage and requires 24 hour care and supervision.

Angela Kirtley, Solicitor with Irwin Mitchell, commented “Mr Neale and his family are extremely pleased that this claim has finally settled and compensation received will certainly contribute to Joseph’s quality of life in the future.  The assistance of the Trust and their Solicitors has certainly helped in dealing with Mr Neale’s claim as there was an early admission of liability and we have been able to work closely with the Trust’s Solicitors to ensure that Mr Neale has obtained fair and deserved compensation.”

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