Coakley v Rosie

Coakley v Rosie

The Defendant was negligent in failing to suspect, diagnose, and treat bacterial meningitis when the Claimant presented with characteristic signs and symptoms. On the balance of probabilities, earlier administration of penicillin and urgent hospital referral would have prevented or materially reduced the Claimant's injuries, including blindness and deafness. The Defendant's breach of duty was causative of the injuries sustained.

Parties
Claimant: Mrs Julie Coakley; Defendant: Dr Henrietta Rosie
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
04 June 2014
Procedural Posture
Civil / Judgment
Outcome
Claim allowed; Defendant found liable for breach of duty and causation.
Legal Topics
Breach of Duty, Causation, Standard of Care, Material Contribution, Remoteness of Damage
Medical Negligence Tort Breach of Duty Causation Standard of Care Material Contribution Remoteness of Damage

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

More case intelligence is available

Unlock the full research layer for this judgment.

Full judgment text Downloadable case file Legal principles 4 Authorities cited 7 Party arguments 2 Amounts and remedies 1
Sign in to unlock

Parties

Mrs Julie Coakley

Claimant

Dr Henrietta Rosie

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Civil / Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the Defendant breached the duty of care owed to the Claimant by failing to suspect, diagnose, and treat bacterial meningitis.
  2. 2 Whether the Defendant's breach of duty caused or materially contributed to the Claimant's injuries, including blindness and deafness.

Ratio Decidendi

The Defendant was negligent in failing to suspect, diagnose, and treat bacterial meningitis when the Claimant presented with characteristic signs and symptoms. On the balance of probabilities, earlier administration of penicillin and urgent hospital referral would have prevented or materially reduced the Claimant's injuries, including blindness and deafness. The Defendant's breach of duty was causative of the injuries sustained.

Court Disposition

Claim allowed; Defendant found liable for breach of duty and causation.

Orders

  • Declaration of liability against the Defendant for negligence.
  • Damages to be paid to the Claimant as agreed by the parties.