Five-figure settlement after delayed referral caused sight loss

Amanda Cavanagh has achieved a five-figure settlement for a man who suffered sight loss following a delayed referral.

Amanda acted for Mr K, who was living with diabetes and required regular ophthalmology check-ups as part of ongoing monitoring of the disease.

In June 2022, Mr K attended his local clinic at Watford General Hospital, complaining of pain in his right eye. He was advised that he required urgent referral to Moorfields Eye Hospital for a suspected retinal detachment.

There were significant delays during the referral process, and by the time Mr K was seen in November 2022, he had effectively lost vision in his right eye with no prospect of recovery.

Investigations revealed ongoing disputes between the two Trusts about which Trust was responsible for making or receiving the referral. Expert evidence showed that, had the referral and treatment not been delayed, the loss of vision would have been avoided. Liability was contested. Moorfields Eye Hospital later admitted breach and causation. However, they disputed the outcome.

The claim progressed through the Clinical Negligence Protocol, and supportive expert evidence was obtained. Settlement negotiations resulted in Mr K receiving a five-figure settlement in January 2026.

Amanda Cavanagh, Associate in the Medical Negligence team at Ashtons Legal, comments: “Mr K put his faith in the hospitals that a referral had been made and received. There was a clear breakdown in communication between the hospitals, but for that failure, Mr K would have received a timely appointment and treatment, which would have saved his sight. Hospitals need to improve their management of cross-trust referrals. There is no excuse in these days of instant communications”.

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