What did we do?

We were instructed to investigate whether the defendant provided inadequate treatment to Mrs X during her hernia repair operation and during her post-operative care.

We gathered evidence from both the client's medical records and medical evidence from a suitable expert.  Detailed allegations were then sent to the defendant, who quickly replied with an admission of liability.

Once the admission of liability had been secured, we gathered further evidence on our client's condition and her future prognosis in order to value the claim.  Due to time constraints, we had to issue court proceedings in order to protect Mrs X's position. 

Following lengthy negotiations on the size of the settlement, we secured a very satisfactory out of court settlement.

What was the background?

On the 20 June 2005, Mrs X presented at hospital requiring a routine repair of an umbilical hernia. Following her operation, Mrs X did not exhibit any symptoms and was subsequently discharged with painkillers.

That evening, Mrs X was admitted to hospital with increasing pain. She was given painkillers and moved to a general ward.

Mrs X was examined by two doctors who could not find the cause of her symptoms and suggested discharging her. Mrs X insisted on staying in hospital and was kept in overnight.

Despite an increase in her symptoms, Mrs X was discharged with strong painkillers.

Whilst at home, her condition worsened and her son called an ambulance. The ambulance took her back to hospital and explorative surgery was planned. The surgery was delayed as Mrs X suffered an atrial fibrillation and required stabilisation.

Following her stabilisation, Mrs X was operated on. During the operation, the surgeon discovered that during her hernia repair, Mrs X's bowel had been perforated in two places, leading to a diagnosis of peritonitis.

Following her surgery, Mrs X was kept in intensive care, as her condition was critical. She was later moved to a general ward, but suffered a bad infection at the site of the operation.

Mrs X was eventually discharged after four weeks in hospital, and post-discharge continued to experience significant abdominal pain. She was also treated on a daily basis by nurses who dressed her wounds.

Mrs X has now made a full recovery, but has significant scarring across her abdomen. Both Mrs X and her family have been emotionally traumatised by the events following her initial hernia repair surgery.

Who dealt with the case?

This challenging case was handled by Kiran Deo, a clinical negligence solicitor, based in Basingstoke.

• Phone
• Online
• Post