Recently at Pryers we recovered substantial damages for the family of a patient who died after hospital staff failed to diagnose deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Sadly, some of the family witnessed the immediate aftermath of the death and were awarded damages for the psychiatric reaction to these events.
Sadly this clinical negligence case highlights the fact that it’s estimated there could be between 1000 and 2000 deaths in the UK each year, so correct diagnosis is essential.
A 93 yr old lady who went into hospital with suspected stroke (i.e. loss of coordination, confused, headaches and vomiting) was put on a bed with the bed rails up. No bumper pads were attached and consequently her leg fell through the rail causing a 10cm deep laceration to her shin. She required 10 weeks worth of follow up care i.e. changing dressings and analgesic patches being applied, and she lost a lot of confidence. Clinical negligence claim settled for £7,500.
Recovered £46,000 for a client whose bowel was damaged during routine surgery, and had to wear a colostomy bag for 12 months as a result before undergoing remedial surgery.
A settlement in the sum of £175,000 was awarded recently for a clinical negligence claim. The case involved a hip replacement for a lady in her mid 50’s. The hip component was fixed at the wrong angle and it dislocated soon after the operation and continued to dislocate until the hospital revised the operation. Unfortunately the hip became infected and eventually needed a two-stage revision. The client struggled with her job and has had to leave the job and will try to find lighter work which did not involve any standing up. The settlement includes future loss of earnings and the costs of further private treatment.
A mother is suing for dental negligence after her son was left with brain damage following a visit to the dentist.
Anne Marie Gallacher is seeking £2.5 million in compensation from the Greater Glasgow Health Board over what happened to her son Ryan, reports the Scotsman.
In March 2002, when he was six, Ryan was put under general anaesthetic in order to have a number of teeth removed.
But his heart stopped during the operation and, although he was resuscitated, he was left with “significant intellectual impairment”.
The dental negligence claim made by the Gallachers, of Old Kilpatrick, Dunbartonshire, claims that blame for the incident lies with the anaesthetist Dr Alexander Colquhoun.
Dr Colquhoun, who had worked part-time at the Townhead dental clinic in addition to his role as a consultant at Glasgow Royal Infirmary when the incident occurred, denies he was to blame for Ryan’s brain damage.
The case continues.
Earlier this week, Charlotte Gillespie, of Ramsbottom, was awarded medical negligence compensation after she suffered brain damage following errors made during her birth, reported the Bury Times.
