Our Medical Negligence solicitors have secured a settlement for a woman who was left incontinent and partially paralysed following a routine spinal operation.
Our client, Sam*, underwent a microdiscectomy – an operation to remove the herniated material of a spinal disc – meant to alleviate back pain.
After the operation, she developed Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES), a result of the compression of the nerves of the spinal cord which can cause back pain, incontinence and paralysis if not treated promptly.
Sam was left incontinent and partially paralysed following the operation as a result of a delay in recognising symptoms of pressure on her spinal nerves. She had two further surgeries to try and alleviate these problems, with no success. Due to her symptoms she was unable to return to work, and has since lost her job as well as her independence.
She asked our medical negligence solicitors to investigate her treatment and to find out if she received the correct level of care. We took legal action against the NHS Trust overseeing the hospital concerned.
A number of medical experts in spinal surgery, intensive care, haematology and neuro-radiology were asked to advise on the hospital’s breach of duty of care towards Sam. We also asked experts in rehabilitation, care, occupational therapy and accommodation to review the financial impact of the surgery’s effects on our client’s future.
We met with representatives of the NHS Trust and agreed a seven-figure settlement for Sam. The Trust’s offer did not include an admission of liability by the hospital concerned.
Anne Kavanagh, an Associate in our Medical Negligence team, said:
“This is a tragic case, where a routine operation that was supposed to help with my client’s back pain actually made her symptoms much worse. I hope that she can take comfort in the knowledge that her settlement will cover the financial impact of her care needs.”
If you or a loved one has suffered as a result of negligent surgery, our Medical Negligence Solicitors may be able to help you claim compensation. Visit our Surgery Claims page for more information.
*Our client’s name has been anonymised at their request.
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