Widow's payout over husband's death
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The widow of a 59-year-old man who died in hospital has been awarded a six-figure sum in damages.
Crystal Wells claimed medical negligence after her husband died while being treated for respiratory failure in Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow.
A High Court judge in London heard how solicitor Peter Wells, from Epping, died in hospital from a "reversible and treatable condition".
Lawyers said he could have survived and recovered if he had been "intubated" at any time before his death on December 9, 2005. Mr Wells had gone to the hospital after suffering from a persistent cough.
The Princess Alexandra NHS Trust admitted negligence over the death. Neil Sheldon, representing the trust, apologised to Mr Wells's family.
The barrister said: "Mr Wells did not get the treatment he was entitled to expect. It is a matter of profound regret."
Mr Wells, who used a wheelchair, had an inherited disorder which resulted in his bones being brittle and subject to recurrent fractures.
Despite his condition he was described as being in good health before November 2005, when he went to his doctor because of a persistent dry cough.
Mr Justice Owen told Mrs Wells: "I have read the papers and I have been immensely impressed by the tributes that were paid to your husband. He was rightly described as a truly remarkable man. That makes the loss that you and Matthew have experienced all the greater. But at least you will be able to make provision for Matthew in a way I know your husband would have wanted."
The damages figure was not disclosed in court.