Husband to sue over wife's death
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.THE husband of a woman who died after a mistake during an operation at a private hospital said yesterday that he would take civil action after an inquest recorded a verdict of accidental death.
Ruth Silverman, 49, a financial director of Hampstead, north London, died after her intestine was mistakenly damaged during keyhole surgery by two doctors who had never performed the operation before, St Pancras coroner's court in London was told.
The four top consultants responsible for Mrs Silverman after the operation at the pounds 200-a-night Portland Hospital failed to agree who was in charge and failed to administer the urgent antibiotic treatment she needed for her to survive, the inquest was told.
Mrs Silverman died after a perforation in the bowel caused by the operation on 14 June led to blood poisoning. The coroner, Dr Douglas Chambers, said: 'There may well have been errors of judgement. I am not called upon to decide that. It is a combination of missed opportunities which led to this unfortunate lady's death.'
After the hearing, Michael Silverman said he believed there had been negligence. He added: 'There will be civil action. I will take this as far as it can go.'
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments