Compensation for quality of life hugely impacted by negligent knee surgery

Iona Meeres-Young and Christina Gardiner were instructed by Ms H in a medical negligence claim against NHS England. Ms H had initially instructed another firm of solicitors, but was dissatisfied with their service and sought alternative representation from Fieldfisher.

When Ms H instructed Iona and Christina, her claim had been ongoing for more than four years but they progressed the claim and achieved successful settlement within 18 months.

Ms H was the victim of a negligently performed arthroscopic lateral release of the right knee performed by a surgeon. She suffered ongoing pain and discomfort and was referred for further surgery. She underwent a secondary arthroscopy and manipulation under anaesthetic, followed by multiple further surgeries. Following the additional surgery Ms H developed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.

The initial procedure was negligent. The surgeon performed an unnecessary lateral release, contra-indicated for a lateral meniscal tear. Had the surgeon performed the first procedure correctly, Ms H would have made a full recovery within three months and would not have required further surgery. She would therefore not have developed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.

As a result of the injuries, Ms H, unable to continue in her job which she had enjoyed for nine years.  She remains in daily debilitating pain and has limited mobility. There is a high chance that she will require a knee replacement. Ms H has also developed post-traumatic stress disorder as a consequence of the trauma she has experienced.

As such, an award of compensation has been invaluable for Ms H to obtain help and rehabilitation to try and improve her quality of life which has been hugely impacted by the defendant's negligence.

The defendant admitted that the surgery was negligently performed and Ms H's claim settled for nearly half a million pounds.

Contact us

For further information about surgery negligence claims and medical negligence claims, please call Iona Meeres-Young on 03304606769 or email iona.meeres-young@fieldfisher.com.

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