Coroner Cites "Individual and Systemic Failings" at Norwich Crash Inquest

LONDON, January 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

An inquest in Norwich has heard how a young woman involved in a road accident collision might have lived if emergency services had acted sooner to remove her from the car.

Following a two-day hearing into the death of Catherine Barton, 27, of Brandon, the Coroner Mr Armstrong recorded a narrative verdict in which he cited "individual and systemic failings" in the emergency response and her treatment at the scene.

Etalon Anderson, of Fentons Personal Injury Solicitors LLP, said that the Coroner accepted that had Catherine received treatment sooner, and had she been removed from her Ford Ka more quickly after the incident on August 5 2011, then she may have survived her injuries.

Mrs Anderson added that the Coroner had said he intended to make "Rule 43" recommendations regarding the ambulance, police and fire services in attendance. "Rule 43 is used by a Coroner who believes that action should be taken to prevent the recurrence of fatalities similar to that in respect of which the inquest is being held," said Mrs Anderson, an Associate with Fentons. "He can report the matter in writing to the person or authority that may have the power to then take such action as to prevent this type of thing happening again."

Following the conclusion of the inquest at Norwich Coroner's Court on Friday 18 January, Mrs Anderson issued the following statement on behalf of the family:

"The Barton family has been left devastated by this tragic chain of events. To have lost Catherine at such a young age has caused them indescribable distress.

"They are pleased that the Coroner has thoroughly investigated the circumstances of this awful tragedy, not just the accident itself but also the care and treatment Catherine received immediately afterwards.

"As we consider our next course of action, it would be inappropriate to offer any further comment and we would request that the media respect the family's privacy at this time."