Charlie* suffered a rectal perforation, a large abscess and needed a colostomy after surgery to remove haemorrhoids. This changed his life. We helped Charlie claim compensation for his injuries.
What Happened To Charlie?
Charlie went to his GP in March with prolapsing haemorrhoids. His GP referred Charlie to a colorectal surgeon at Northampton General Hospital.
In June, Charlie went to an appointment at Northampton General Hospital. Medical experts said Charlie had a large grade three haemorrhoid.
Because of this diagnosis, the medical experts booked Charlie for a haemorrhoidectomy in July. The surgeon believed the operation was successful and discharged Charlie from hospital on the same day.
At the beginning of August, Charlie had a telephone call with his GP to review the surgery. Despite feeling well, Charlie noticed a hard tube-like material under the skin. His temperature was fine and there was no discharge.
His GP booked Charlie in for an appointment the following morning. During the appointment, they agreed that the wound was healing well. The GP told Charlie to continue with recommended recovery. If there was still no improvement or things worsened, Charlie was to contact the GP again.
The next day, Charlie went to the Northampton General Hospital A&E after collapsing. The hospital sent Charlie home on the same day after receiving fluids and blood. The doctors prescribed Charlie iron tablets.
Six days later, Charlie phoned 111 suffering with a mild fever, shivering and pain. Two days after this, Charlie called 111 several times. He had a high fever, rectal pain and had fainted. 111 recommended that Charlie go to Northampton General Hospital A&E.
Over the following days, Charlie had different procedures. Charlie had an examination under anaesthetic and drainage of the abscess. Next, he had a colostomy followed by a washout with debridement of the affected areas.
How Has This Changed Charlie’s Life?
Charlie had a defect in the wall of the rectum, caused by a below standard haemorrhoidectomy. This led to faecal contamination and left a large abscess causing pain, swelling and fever symptoms.
Charlie needed to use a stoma whilst waiting for a colostomy reversal. He was unable to work for several months following the colostomy and later he also had to get a different job, which wasn’t as demanding.
His wife and daughter had to provide Charlie with extra care and help. Charlie’s wife had to pick up tasks that Charlie would normally do around the house and for the family.
His three daughters missed out on plans during the holidays for a year.
Charlie’s experience had a detrimental effect on him psychologically.
How Did We Help Charlie?
Charlie came to us to investigate medical negligence in relation to the haemorrhoidectomy. Allie-Louise Grover, a medical negligence solicitor, managed Charlie's claim.
We went to the Northampton General Hospital with a claim for the negligent haemorrhoidectomy. Allie-Louise argued that this resulted in a rectal perforation and a colostomy. These left Charlie unable to work his usual job and in need of help from others.
The hospital admitted the haemorrhoidectomy wasn’t done to the correct standard. This failure resulted in the injuries to Charlie.
We managed to get Charlie a compensation settlement before his claim went to court. This saved Charlie and his family further stress of a court case.
On his case, Charlie said: “I was so devastated when a simple operation to make me feel better, turned my life upside down. Apart from losing and changing jobs, what stressed me most was the time my family had to sacrifice looking after me.
“I was referred to Irwin Mitchell by a friend. I approached them with confidence. Allie handled the case very professionally throughout. I couldn’t believe the effort they put in to get a compensation settlement.”
On Charlie’s case, Allie-Louise said: “What happened to Charlie was distressing for him. What should have been a straightforward operation, turned his life upside down. Charlie was forced to change jobs and rely more on his wife and daughter.
“I’m happy I was able to help Charlie get some sort of repayment for the physical and psychological trauma he’s suffered.”
*Not actual name used in this case study.
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