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.

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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 for negligent treatment at a hospital within the West Sussex Health and Social Care NHS Trust, which led to an above the knee amputation.

The man, who was aged 49 at the time of the initial operation, was diabetic and suffered from peripheral arterial disease. His first operation was to unblock a left femoral artery at the West Sussex Hospital. He subsequently experienced numbness in his left foot and was readmitted to hospital for tests. Although the claimant received treatment it was decided not to perform an arteriogram unless there was a deterioration in his symptoms.

Four days after being discharged from the hospital the claimant had extreme pain in his left leg. An on-call doctor prescribed Oramorph, but it was not until 6 days later on 13 October 1997 that he was readmitted to hospital. An arteriogram was performed 2 days later. This revealed that the arteries were occluded and the claimant was immediately taken to theatre where his left leg was amputated above the knee.

The defendants admitted a breach of duty in failing to perform an arteriogram during the period between 13 and 15 October 1997, but they did not admit to the causation.

It was accepted by the claimant that his pre-existing condition would have led to him undergoing a below the knee amputation at some time in the future. His vascular surgeon estimated that this would have been in about 5 years' time. However the defendant's vascular surgeon contended that the operation would have been necessary within a few months.

Damages were assessed on the basis that an above the knee amputation would cause significant incapacity - over and above any that would have been sustained by a below the knee amputation

The claimant's wife was providing ongoing care and a report was serviced.

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.

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.

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Author:
Gaynor Haliday, Legal researcher

About the author

Gaynor Haliday is an experienced legal researcher and published author. She has had numerous articles published in the press and is a legal industry commentator.