West Sussex Health And Social Care NHS Trust

If you have been injured as a result of medical negligence at a hospital within the West Sussex Health and Social Care NHS Trust you may be entitled to financial compensation. To speak to an expert about your situation, call Quittance on 0800 612 7456.

West Sussex Health and Social Care NHS Trust (2002) case study

A 54-year-old man was awarded £14,000 (£20,706.02 RPI adjusted) in an out-of-court settlement following negligent treatment at a hospital within the West Sussex Health and Social Care NHS Trust, which resulted in an above-the-knee amputation.

The claimant, aged 49 at the time, was diabetic and suffered from peripheral arterial disease. He underwent surgery to unblock his left femoral artery but soon after developed numbness in his left foot. Although he was readmitted for tests, an arteriogram was not performed unless his condition worsened.

Four days after being discharged, the claimant experienced extreme pain in his left leg, and an on-call doctor prescribed Oramorph. However, it wasn't until six days later, on 13 October 1997, that he was readmitted. An arteriogram performed two days later revealed occluded arteries, and his left leg was amputated above the knee.

The defendants admitted breaching their duty by failing to perform the arteriogram between 13 and 15 October 1997, but they did not admit to the causation.

It was agreed by the claimant that his pre-existing condition would have led to a below-the-knee amputation within five years. However, the defendants' vascular surgeon argued that the procedure would have been necessary within a few months.

Damages were assessed on the basis that an above-the-knee amputation would cause significantly more incapacity than a below-the-knee procedure. The claimant’s wife provided ongoing care, which was also considered in the settlement.

Compensation Settlement

The claim was settled out of court and the claimant awarded £14,000 (£20, 706.02 RPI adjusted) for pain, suffering and loss of amenity. The defendant was required to repay CRU (Compensation Recovery Unit) benefits.

See also:

Personal injury solicitors in West Sussex

Making a compensation claim against West Sussex Health and Social Care NHS Trust

Making a claim for medical or clinical negligence can seem initially overwhelming. Hospital Trusts are large complex organisations. Just finding out what happened can be complicated.

The panel of solicitors have significant experience in taking on hospital trusts and securing financial compensation for people affected by clinical or medical negligence.

Call us on 0800 612 7456 to discuss your situation with a claims expert or find out what your claim could be worth.

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.