At Farleys Solicitors, we are committed to standing up for those who have suffered as a result of negligence on the part of care providers.
Background
Our client, Mrs B, came to us following the tragic death of her mother, Mrs A.
Mrs A had dementia had been living independently in controlled accommodation. She was managing well and continued to attend routine hospital appointments with the support of the ambulance service.
On the day in question, Mrs A was transported to her hospital appointment by ambulance as usual. However, rather than returning her home in an ambulance, the responsibility for her transport was delegated to a private taxi company. Despite clear instructions indicating her correct address, the taxi driver mistakenly returned her to the controlled accommodation facility.
What followed was a devastating sequence of events. Mrs A was left unattended in a corridor, still in her wheelchair. In the absence of proper supervision or assistance, she fell and sustained a serious head injury. She was rushed to hospital, but tragically, later died from her injuries.
Her daughter instructed Farleys to investigate the circumstances surrounding her mother’s death.
How Farleys Were Able to Help
Our legal team quickly identified that the ambulance service owed Mrs A a clear duty of care. That duty extended to ensuring her safe transport to and from medical appointments, regardless of whether the service was delivered directly or through a third party.
Despite this, the ambulance service initially denied liability. They attempted to shift the blame onto the taxi company, arguing that the error lay with the driver. However, we maintained that the ambulance service could not absolve itself of responsibility simply by outsourcing the task. The duty of care remained theirs, and they had failed in that duty.
We commenced court proceedings on behalf of Mrs B, determined to hold the ambulance service accountable. Through the legal process, it became evident that the breach of duty had directly contributed to Mrs A’s injury and subsequent death. Ultimately, the case was resolved with a settlement of £18,600 in damages awarded to Mrs B.
While no amount of money can ever compensate for the loss of a loved one, the outcome provided Mrs B with a sense of justice and recognition of the wrong that had occurred.
Paul Mulderrig, Farleys’ medical negligence solicitor who led Mrs B’s case commented,
“This case is a stark reminder that public services, including ambulance trusts, must take full responsibility for the safety of those in their care—even when tasks are delegated. Mrs A was a vulnerable individual who relied on the system to protect her. That system failed her in a fundamental way.
We were proud to support Mrs B through this difficult time and to ensure that her mother’s voice was heard. At Farleys, we believe in fighting for accountability and justice, especially when the most vulnerable are let down. This case reinforces the importance of vigilance, compassion, and legal recourse in the face of institutional failings.
If you or a loved one has experienced a similar situation and would like to speak to a member of our expert team, please don’t hesitate to contact Farleys Solicitors on 0845 287 0939, get in touch by email or using the online chat below. We’re here to help.
