Medical Negligence Lawyers Secure Funds Allowing Woman To Regain More Independence

A young woman whose left leg was amputated following a 16-hour surgery delay has received a compensation payment, allowing her to access specialist rehabilitation.

Molly Harbron attended Dewsbury and District Hospital’s A&E department concerned her left leg and foot were numb and cold and she had calf pain. Her left foot was also discoloured. 

A possible deep vein thrombosis was initially suspected. However, medics failed to carry out adequate tests. She should have undergone surgery by 9pm that day, health bosses admitted following legal submissions by law firm Irwin Mitchell. However, Molly, aged 26, didn’t undergo surgery until just after 1.30pm the following day – more than 16-and-a-half hours later. 

Surgeons were unable to restore blood flow to her lower left leg. She initially underwent a below the knee amputation, but days later had to have surgery to amputate her leg above the knee.

Molly asks expert medical negligence lawyers for help after being told she didn't have a legal case 

Molly, of Batley, sought advice from a law firm which said she had no case. However, looking for a second opinion, she asked expert medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate her care under Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust, which runs Dewsbury and District Hospital. 

Following legal submissions by Irwin Mitchell, the Trust admitted a breach of duty. It acknowledged that if Molly had undergone surgery by 9pm on the day she went to hospital, on the balance of probabilities, she would have avoided her amputations. 

Legal experts secure payment to fund Batley woman Molly's rehab

Irwin Mitchell has now secured a six-figure interim payment for Molly to fund the specialist support, rehabilitation and therapies she requires. 

Molly has since moved from a first floor flat - that she had to be carried downstairs from to go outside - to a bungalow more suited to her needs. She has also had a prosthetic leg specifically designed for her body and has just passed her driving test. 

Irwin Mithcell and the Hospital Trust continue to work to a agree a final compensation package which will pay for the life-time support, physiotherapy and upkeep of Molly’s prosthetic.

Ashlee Coates is the expert medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Molly.

Expert Opinion

“Through our work we too often see how failings connected to inadequate assessments and delays can lead to significant injuries. Molly’s case vividly highlights the life-changing repercussions patients can be left to face.

“Molly has faced an incredibly difficult time attempting to come to terms with the physical and psychological impact of her losing her leg. However, she’s always remained determined to make the best recovery possible.

“We knew the priority for Molly was ensuring she had a suitable home to live in and access to the specialist support she required. The part payment of compensation has allowed this to happen. The progress in her rehabilitation has been phenomenal and Molly is now working towards the life she wanted.

“Although her story is a stark reminder of the need to uphold the highest standards of patient safety, it also highlights how, through early access to rehab, people can start to flourish after losing a limb.” Ashlee Coates

Amputation: Molly Harbron's story

Molly, who was aged 22 at the time, attended hospital at around 11.30am on 25 April, 2020. She was admitted to a ward just after 7.30pm. Around 30 minutes later a review suspected she had a deep vein thrombosis.

Following a further review medics concerned about reduced blood flow to her lower left leg, called another hospital for an opinion. 

A radiology report at 11.30pm suggested Molly had blood clots and a blocked artery behind her left knee. She was transferred to another hospital and was in theatre for surgery just after 1.30pm on 26 April. 

However, surgery was unable to achieve blood flow to her left foot which was unsalvageable. A decision was made to perform a below the knee amputation on 27 April. However, she continued to have issues. She underwent an above the knee amputation on 2 May. 

Molly spent a further 18 days in hospital. She had to give up her job as a carer. 

Molly reveals life-changing impact of having leg amputated following care failings

She said: “I was in a lot of pain. I knew something wasn’t right. I was crying to my mum and asked her to take me to the hospital. All I remember was there being a delay and then waking up from surgery. When I was woken up the surgeon showed me they had amputated my leg. However, I didn’t really believe them as I could still feel my leg.

“When the realisation dawned on me I just broke down and cried. Before my amputation life was great. I was really active, I went running three times a week and had a physically demanding job which I loved. 

“But then it felt like life wasn’t worth living with one leg. I couldn’t come to terms with the fact I had lost a leg and I needed to take it further because I didn’t want it to happen to anyone else.”

Around a month after leaving hospital, Molly met her husband-to-be Daniel, aged 27. They married in August 2023. While she walked down the aisle the prosthetic leg wasn’t designed for her body. 

Molly shares rehab story to inspire others

The funds Molly has received have also helped pay for a privately-developed prosthesis. Molly has undergone rehab sessions at Dorset Orthopaedics to build up her strength and get to the a position where she is successfully using her new prosthetic leg. 

Molly added: “The first prosthetic I had from the NHS was very uncomfortable. I could only wear it for an hour max. However, the new prosthetic fits to me. It helps me walk more smoothly. I can walk downstairs, go to the shops, drive and I’m hoping to run one day. It’s changed my life so much and I feel like a normal person again. 

“I never imagined I’d have the life I have now. I have a brilliant husband, an amazing family; I never imagined that was possible. I thought my life was going to be me stuck in a wheelchair, until I realised I can do anything I put my mind to.

“By sharing my story I hope I can not only help others who may be struggling with going through something similar but also improve care. What happened to me could have been avoided so I want to try and prevent it happening to someone else.” 

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting patients who have lost a limb following care failings at our dedicated amputation claims section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.