Substantial settlement following negligent cardiac surgery at Royal Brompton Hospital
Jamie Green secured a six-figure settlement for Mr Hamill* in his claim against Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust following negligent errors during an operation to replace the tricuspid valve in his heart.
Mr Hamill attended Royal Brompton Hospital to undergo the planned procedure, but during the operation, the operating team failed to use X-ray screening to monitor the insertion of a sheath used to replace the valve, and used a sheath that was too big. The operating team encountered resistance when trying to advance the sheath and, when they eventually performed X-ray screening, discovered that this had gotten stuck and had bent over.
As a result, they had to abandon the procedure and call the vascular surgery team, who found a significant tear of the femoral vein. They had to ligate the right femoral vein to retrieve the sheath.
Mr Hamill suffered severe femoral vein damage and has developed chronic pain. He suffers from swelling in his groin and right leg which worsens throughout the day. He required a further major procedure the following year to successfully replace the valve. He also developed depression arising from the treatment provided and the ongoing impact on his physical health. He was also unable to continue his previous job and had to move to a less stressful, low-pressure role.
Once instructed, Jamie obtained a report from a Cardiac Surgeon who concluded that the failure to use X-ray screening and the correct sized sheath was negligent, and that with appropriate treatment the valve replacement would have been completed successfully.
Jamie subsequently wrote a Letter of Claim to Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust. The Trust initially denied liability but admitted liability in full in their Defence. Jamie then instructed a Cardiologist, Vascular Surgeon and Psychiatrist to comment on Mr Hamill's injuries and his long-term prognosis, to quantify Mr Hamill's claim.
During negotiations ahead of a quantum-only trial, Jamie secured a six-figure settlement for Mr Hamill.
*name changed
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