Epsom & St Helier University Hospital Compensation Claim

If you have been injured as a result of medical negligence at the Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, you may be entitled to financial compensation. To speak to an expert about your situation, call Quittance on 0800 612 7456.

See also:

Personal injury solicitors in Epsom

Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust Compensation Claim Case Study

A 10-year-old girl accepted £570,000 in an out-of-court settlement after doctors failed to properly treat a respiratory tract infection, leading to permanent damage to her trachea and vocal cords.

The girl, born with Down's Syndrome, was 13 months old at the time of the injury. She was first admitted to hospital with a high temperature, vomiting, and breathing difficulties. Diagnosed with bronchiolitis, doctors unsuccessfully attempted to administer antibiotics through an IV. Despite her history of vomiting, she was sent home with oral antibiotics.

The next day, she was readmitted as the infection persisted. Although further antibiotics were administered, her condition worsened, and she collapsed three days later. She was transferred to a specialist paediatric unit where she stabilized after two weeks. However, upon returning to the Trust's hospital, her condition deteriorated again, requiring another transfer and emergency resuscitation.

Doctors inserted a tracheostomy, which remained in place for three years. The procedure caused lasting speech problems, exacerbated by her Down’s Syndrome, as she struggled to communicate and didn't realize people couldn’t understand her. Medical reports indicated her speech would likely not improve, affecting her ability to live or work independently. It was also noted that these communication challenges could lead to behavioural difficulties as she grew older.

Settlement award

The claimant's parents brought a misdiagnosis compensation claim against the Trust, alleging that their daughter would not have needed the tracheostomy had the original respiratory tract infection been diagnosed and treated in a timely manner.

The Trust agreed to pay compensation of £570,000 (£704,324.32 RPI adjusted). According to an estimate by the claimant's solicitor, £40,000 (£49,426.27 RPI adjusted) of this sum was attributable to pain, suffering and loss of amenity.

Making a compensation claim against Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust

Making a claim for medical negligence can seem overwhelming initially. NHS Trusts are large, complicated organisations. It is vital that you seek out the best advice to establish to chain of events that led to your illness or injury and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Quittance's network of solicitors have extensive experience in taking on NHS Trusts and dealing with complex medical negligence claims in a professional and compassionate way.

To discuss your situation with a claims expert, call Quittance on 0800 612 7456. You can also find out what your claim may be worth using our compensation calculator.

Disclaimer

Case studies are for informational purposes only and aim to help prospective claimants understand the injury claim process. They are based on cases handled by Quittance panel solicitors or sourced from public court records.