Injury Claims and Clinical Negligence Blog

York Cares – Right to Read

admin — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 19:33:15 +0000

As a previous volunteer, Marie Brasnett introduced York Cares to the Principal and founder, Ian Pryer, when she joined his firm of York Solicitors over two years ago. Ian was already a huge supporter of giving something back to the community and so readily embraced the concept, which has resulted in 15% of his workforce currently volunteering their services to York Cares projects. Solicitor, Alex McKnight commented on his first voluntary project‘ in 2008, ‘this is the most selfless act I’ve done in the last 35 years!’

The Right to Read scheme appealed to Office Manager Marie and Solicitor Anna Renfree, as both are avid readers and keen for the opportunity to encourage primary children to enjoy the benefits of reading.

Local primary schools are on the receiving end of the ongoing one hourly sessions and have benefited hugely from the experience of having Marie and Anna as their mentors.

In their own words:

Anna –Being a volunteer on the scheme gives the children an opportunity for one2one time with an adult, which they seem to respond well to and it’s so rewarding to see their enthusiasm grow. Reading is both a skill and a pleasure that will open so many doors for them, so I think it’s hugely important to encourage youngsters to want to read from a young age, not just in the classroom, but at home too. I would definitely want to volunteer again.

Marie – I enjoy the whole experience of volunteering and working with the children to help them achieve. It’s so rewarding to know we’re making a difference, especially as you can see the improvement in their reading as the year goes on. Volunteering is beneficial for me too, as reading with the children is a worthwhile respite that enables me to return to work with a clear mind after only an hour away! Volunteering is so easy with York Cares and it’s definitely an enriching experience.

Simon Wise completes marathon for Cystic Fibrosis Trust

admin — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 09:01:18 +0000

Simon Wise, The Personal Injury Partner at Pryers Solicitors LLP completed the London Marathon this weekend in 4 hours 5 minutes 23 seconds. Simon, running for The Cystic Fibrosis Trust, raised over £3,000.00 for the charity. ‘The atmosphere was incredible’ said Simon ‘ for the whole 26.2 miles people lined the course shouting encouragement and cheering. If you ever do the London Marathon, get your name printed on your top. It is well worth it!!!’

Simon has decided to give himself a week off training before he prepares for the Berlin Marathon in September. ‘I’m running again for The Cystic Fibrosis Trust, They are a great charity and deserve every penny I can raise for them’ If you would like to sponsor Simon please go to uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SimonWise if you would like further information on The Cystic Fibrosis Trust please visit www.cftrust.org.uk

After 18 Miles

After the Marathon Simon Celebrates with his Family

Medical negligence claim for unauthorised additional surgery

admin — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 08:24:54 +0000

Here at Pryers, the clinical negligence solicitors in York, we are pleased to announce another successful claim. The Claimant underwent planned surgery for release of right trigger thumb but, whilst under anaesthetic, the surgeon also inadvertently performed right carpel tunnel release. The Claimant had never suffered with carpel tunnel syndrome and the procedure had never been discussed with the surgeon. The Claimant therefore had an additional scar which was numb, and associated weakness in his right hand for 4 weeks.
Liability was admitted at complaint stage, a Letter of Claim was served and a Part 36 offer of £6000 was made. The Defendant came back with an offer of £5000 and the Claimant accepted.

Claim after delayed treatment

admin — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 11:10:33 +0000

Here at Pryers solicitors in York we are pleased to detail another successful case. Our client had an anal fistula which was treated with insertion of a seton. There was then an unacceptable and substandard delay in further management and treatment, causing 18 months of PSLA (Pain, Suffering & Loss of Amenities). She finally received appropriate treatment which resolved the problem.

A medical negligence complaint was pursued to which we received an indifferent response. After obtaining the medical records and reviewing them, it seemed that the case looked very strong and causation was limited. The claim was valued at £5,000 – £10,000. A Letter of Claim was sent together with a Part 36 Offer for £15,000. We got a Letter of Response admitting liability with a counter offer for £10,000, which the client accepted today.

Successful claim for brain damage case

admin — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 14:51:23 +0000

Pryers solicitors of York have recently won a case involving brain damage to an adult which occurred as a result of anaesthetic negligence. The client in this case had gone in for ECT treatment but unfortunately through the course of that treatment and as a result of him vomiting and then ingesting the contents, his windpipe became blocked and he suffered brain damage as a result of this. The defendant eventually put forward offers to settle, starting at £100,000. This led to negotiations and to the settlement as below. The settlement facilitated purchase of new accommodation which was adapted to the client’s needs, as well as provision of future care. It is thought to be the largest settlement arising from ECT treatment in this country. The case was settled for £500,000.

Successful claim for broken leg

admin — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 09:17:17 +0000

A claim on behalf of a student. He had broken his leg whilst playing football and developed a compartment syndrome when he attended at the hospital which meant that his leg would not function to an acceptable level and this caused him to have around 40 operations (so far) to his leg. A clinical negligence claim was brought against the NHS Trust who were alleged to be negligent and in addition to the damages for the personal injuries and significant loss of amenity, substantial vulnerability damages were also paid by the defendant.

Settlement: £250,000.

We have recently completed a claim, for clinical negligence here at Pryers solicitors in York, on behalf of a student. He had broken his leg whilst playing football and developed a compartment syndrome when he attended at the hospital which meant that his leg would not function to an acceptable level and this caused him to have around 40 operations (so far) to his leg. A clinical negligence claim was brought against the NHS Trust who were alleged to be negligent and in addition to the damages for the personal injuries and significant loss of amenity, substantial vulnerability damages were also paid by the defendant.

Claim for troublesome teeth

admin — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 11:48:06 +0000

We recently worked on a case involving a lady who had treatment at hospital over a number of years from her teens due to troublesome teeth. The problem related to her molars and the Orthodontic Consultant tried using braces to descend the teeth in to alignment. Unfortunately the treatment did not work and led to the wearing of various braces over a number of years. By the time I was instructed the lady was at the end of her tether. Expert evidence was obtained that caused the ongoing Orthodontic treatment to be abandoned, the 2 teeth removed and implants to be inserted. This gave the client her confidence back. The Hospital Solicitors settled the case on the basis of paying for the implant treatment, (at a cost of around £8,000) as well as paying general damages for the pain and embarrassment of £17,000.

Successful claim after mis-diagnosis

admin — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 20:49:22 +0000

Here at Pryers solicitors in York we work on various clinical negligence and personal injury cases. Recently we concluded a medical negligence case against an NHS Trust in which a patient had an operation in which his full stomach was removed (gastrectomy). He had been told that he was suffering from cancer when in fact after biopsies were carried out it was revealed that he was not suffering from cancer, he was suffering from a peptic ulcer. The Trust fought the case, literally up to the door of the court before conceding negligence and agreeing the settlement which included damages for the stomach removal and the lifetime effects of that as well as damages for lost earnings and other expenses.

Large settlement for cerebral palsy child

admin — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 08:47:51 +0000

Here at Pryers solicitors in York we have recently been involved with a case involving a child with cerebral palsy. Normally cerebral palsy cases are brought arising from oxygen starvation in the course of a birth but in this case the allegation was that because of the child’s father’s hereditary condition, the child should have had a full blood transfusion immediately after birth. Failure to carry out the transfusion caused the child to develop jaundice and brain damage. The case was eventually conceded by the Defendant NHS Trust and a settlement was agreed at a round table meeting which included a substantial payment in respect of the damages for the brain damage, future care, aids and equipment and loss of earnings. Additionally by the time of the settlement the family had moved to new accommodation allowing a lift to be installed.

Claim after drain left inside operation patient

admin — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 20:43:49 +0000

Pyers solicitors in York have recently completed a case involving a woman who had a full hysterectomy carried out. After the hysterectomy she had ongoing internal pain and discomfort. It was some months later that on full examination one of the drains used in the course of the operation was still found to be inside her. The drain was removed and the pain and discomfort was then gone. A settlement was agreed on the basis that it was medically negligent to leave the drain inside and not to carry out the necessary checks after the hysterectomy to ensure that everything had been removed. A settlement was agreed in the sum of £3,500.