Out-of hours Doctor Fails to Diagnose Blood Clot - JMW client featured on BBC news programme

JMW is currently investigating a clinical negligence claim on behalf of Brian Dowsett who featured in a recent BBC1 programme, Inside Out. Brian's story has also featured in the local and national press.

Mr Dowsett, 74, was seen by an out-of-hours doctor, Dr Hans Raj Yadav in 2007 when he developed pain in his right leg. Dr Yadav had previously been suspended by a different out-of-hours provider over concerns about his clinical competence. Dr Yadav failed to diagnose a blood clot, despite Mr Dowsett's complaint of pain and numbness in his leg, which had turned white and was very cold to the touch. Days later, Mr Dowsett was diagnosed with an arterial obstruction and underwent surgery, although it was too late to save is leg which was amputated shortly afterwards.

JMW is pursuing the claim against both Dr Yadav and a second defendant, also an out-of-hours GP. Both defendants worked for the privately run Croydoc, now known as Patient Care 24. Dr Yadav has admitted that he was negligent in failing to refer Mr Dowsett to hospital urgently. He has since been struck off by the General Medical Council (GMC). The second defendant has made an initial denial of liability. The case is ongoing.

Sally Leonards, Partner at JMW, is currently pursuing the claim on behalf of Mr Dowsett. Sally, a specialist clinical negligence solicitor commented: "This case highlights the inadequacy of the system of governance of out-of-hours GP care which has serious implications for patient safety. It is of particular concern that Dr Yadav was able to continue in practice for so long when it is clear that his performance was seriously deficient in many areas of medicine, which was the view formed by the GMC. My client's life has been seriously blighted as a result of the loss of his leg. I hope for his sake that the legal proceedings are concluded quickly and successfully.