£4m compensation for leg amputation at Princess Alexandra Hospital
Iona Meeres-Young secured damages of more than £4m for her client, Jackie, who suffered life-changing injuries during a routine visit to the Princess Alexandra Hospital. Iona was assisted by solicitor Emma Kendall and barrister Henry Witcomb KC of One Crown Office Row.
Jackie had a long-standing history of chronic rheumatoid arthritis that had rendered her medically retired. Her condition and symptoms were variable, but she remained largely independent and enjoyed a good quality of life. She was able to care for her children, look after the home, go on regular family holidays and maintain an active social life.
Jackie attended the Princess Alexandra Hospital for a routine blood test as part of a rheumatology assessment. In the waiting room, she collapsed in agony from sudden, excruciating pain in her left hip. Unfortunately, there was a delay before she was seen by a doctor, which caused a delay in diagnosing and treating her acute limb ischaemia, a critical condition involving a sudden loss of blood flow to the leg.
Because of the Defendant's negligent treatment, Jackie had to undergo a high amputation of her left leg. She suffered a seizure and multi-organ failure and was hospitalised for a significant period. She also developed a chronic pressure sore at the site of the amputation, required permanent urinary catheterisation and a de-functioning colostomy. Jackie's injury and associated complications adversely affected the ability to treat her pre-existing rheumatoid arthritis. She also suffered psychiatric injury.
In its pre-action response, the Defendant denied liability for Jackie's injuries before later making a full admission. Iona and Emma secured significant interim damages to assist with Jackie's rehabilitation while quantum investigations took place. A case manager was appointed along with a multidisciplinary team of therapists.
We instructed experts in 10 specialisms to report on Jackie's condition and prognosis, care and therapy needs. The claim was complicated by Jackie's pre-existing condition and the need to distinguish between what she would likely have required in any event due to the rheumatoid arthritis.
Negotiations took place at a round table meeting and settlement was reached shortly after. The settlement comprised a lump sum to purchase and adapt a suitable property and pay for other large items of expenditure. Index-linked annual payments were also agreed for the remainder of Jackie's life to pay for care and case management.
Contact us
For further information about amputation claims, please call Iona Meeres-Young on 0330 460 6769 or email iona.meeres-young@fieldfisher.com, or Emma Kendall on 0330 460 6755 or email emma.kendall@fieldfisher.com.
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