THE family of "a fit and healthy man'', who died in hospital during an operation to repair a broken leg, left an inquest yesterday considering legal action against doctors who treated him.

The hearing in Easingwold, North Yorkshire, was told Amanda Boak organised a skiing trip in France to celebrate partner Leslie Howgate's 40th birthday in February.

It was supposed to be the holiday of a lifetime, but Mr Howgate fractured his leg in a first-day fall.

However, after visiting a resort doctor, the couple decided to stay and make the most of their holiday, later driving home to North Yorkshire as planned.

Ms Boak told the hearing Mr Howgate was not overly concerned because he had injured the same leg a year before while skiing in Canada.

However, once home in Wensley, he was referred to Lucas Van Vuuren, a consultant at the Friarage Hospital, in Northallerton, who recommended surgery to repair the fracture.

Mr Howgate did not survive the operation. Doctors could not revive him after he went into cardiac arrest, caused by a pulmonary embolism, which originated from a deep-vein thrombosis in his injured leg.

Dr Carl Grey, who carried out a post- mortem examination, revealed the thrombosis may have dated back to Mr Howgate's original injury in Canada, although he emphasised it would have been hard to spot, as his symptoms may have been masked by the discomfort of both his injuries.

Hawes GP, Adrian Jones, also told the hearing he was specifically looking for signs of thrombosis when called to Mr Howgate's home a few days before he died. He had concluded it was safe to leave a thorough investigation until Mr Howgate attended hospital a few days later.

Giving evidence, Ms Boak said Mr Howgate could hardly speak as he had difficulty breathing. He was sweating profusely, and had complained of a throbbing pain in his back.

Yesterday, coroner Michael Oakley recorded a verdict of accidental death.

Ms Boak's solicitor indicated the family are considering legal action.