The family of a man who died as a result of a hospital misdiagnosis are considering legal action, it has emerged.

Neville Caplan, 70, fell down some stairs while babysitting his grandchildren and fractured a vertebra.

He was taken to hospital, but was diagnosed with mild pneumonia, broken ribs and a sprained ankle.

Although he returned to hospital several times, four consultants and two radiologists at Wythenshawe Hospital and North Manchester General Hospital failed to spot his broken spine.

By the time he was correctly diagnosed three weeks later, it was too late to treat him and Mr Caplan died three days later.

Mr Caplan’s son Jeff, 51, said: "The coroner has identified a misdiagnosis in two of Manchester’s major hospitals. We are devastated by such an unnecessary death.

"It’s now in the hands of our lawyers. Compensation would be the next logical step."

Anyone who has endured pain and suffering as the result of a misdiagnosis, that would not have occurred had the diagnosis been correct, may be entitled to claim compensation and should seek legal advice.