Compensation Archives

£200,000 settlement for maternal birth injury case after mother suffered incontinence and depression

Posted on 16 March 201828 March 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Tees secured a £200,000 settlement for Beatrice*, who endured life-altering injuries after the birth of her first child.

Background of the case

Beatrice was admitted to the hospital to deliver her daughter, Alanna*. During labour, Beatrice received an epidural for pain relief. However, Alanna was positioned abnormally, causing her shoulders to become stuck during delivery. As a result, Beatrice required an episiotomy (a surgical incision to widen the vaginal opening) and forceps to assist with the birth. Alanna, weighing over 4kg, was delivered with the help of a Registrar who repaired the episiotomy.

Symptoms and medical complications

Soon after Alanna’s birth, Beatrice experienced several distressing symptoms, including:

Incontinence – Difficulty controlling bowel movements and passing wind.
Fistula – Passing stool through the vagina, caused by a tear in the wall of muscles between the vagina and anus.
Passive Soiling – Struggled with cleaning up after using the toilet.

Several months later, Beatrice was diagnosed with a third-degree tear to her perineum (the area between the vagina and anus) and a significant injury to her sphincter (the muscle controlling bowel movements). Despite physiotherapy and biofeedback therapy, Beatrice’s symptoms persisted, leading to profound distress and depression.

Impact on Beatrice’s life

The impact of her injuries was severe: she could not return to work full-time, and her marriage broke down due to the emotional and physical toll.

Legal representation and outcome

Janine Collier, an Executive Partner and expert in obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASIS) claims, represented Beatrice on a “No Win, No Fee” basis.

Tees successfully proved that Beatrice’s care was substandard. The third-degree tear should have been identified immediately after delivery, but it was missed by the Registrar. Additionally, a primary repair should have been performed post-delivery, which would likely have prevented Beatrice’s long-term symptoms. Beatrice argued that proper treatment would have spared her from ongoing issues with bowel control and depression.

While the hospital initially admitted liability, this admission was later retracted, and the case proceeded toward trial. Ultimately, the hospital agreed to a £200,000 settlement.

Financial security and future treatment

This compensation provides Beatrice with some financial security, enabling her to fund future treatment and support her as a single mother who is unable to work full-time.

Janine Collier commented, “While many women suffer tears during childbirth, these injuries should usually be detected and repaired immediately. If missed, the consequences can be life-changing, leading to incontinence and depression. Sadly, as in Beatrice’s case, marital relationships can also break down due to these challenges. I’m proud to help these mothers rebuild their lives.”

Client testimonial

Beatrice expressed her gratitude, saying, “I cannot thank you and your team enough for all your work and commitment. I feel overwhelmed, but in the best possible way.”

Birth injury claims: Tears during delivery

If you experienced a perineal tear during delivery that wasn’t identified or repaired, leading to ongoing complications, contact Janine Collier, an expert in Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury cases. For initial advice, call Janine at 01223 702303 or email janine.collier@teeslaw.com.

Client names have been changed for privacy.

Life changing settlement for boy born with cerebral palsy due to midwife negligence

Posted on 16 March 201828 March 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Tees secured a life-changing settlement for the family of a boy who suffers from cerebral palsy as a result of medical negligence during his birth. This case highlights significant failings, particularly a lack of communication and information sharing within the NHS, which was pointed out in the recent HSIB Maternity Investigation Report.

Miles’ story: The impact of medical negligence

Miles was born with severe cerebral palsy due to a lack of oxygen during his birth. He suffers from quadriparesis (muscle weakness in all four limbs) and relies on a specialised wheelchair. Additionally, he has a severe learning disability and experiences seizures related to his condition.

Tees successfully proved that Miles’ birth injury was the result of medical negligence. Key errors by the medical team included:

Improperly set up monitoring equipment
Failure to monitor Miles’ heart rate during labour
Failure to recognise signs of distress
Delayed caesarean section

These mistakes led to brain damage and neurological disabilities, resulting in oxygen deprivation (asphyxia) at birth, a condition that can cause lasting brain injuries, and in severe cases, stillbirth or death.

Tees secured a substantial settlement on behalf of Miles and his family, offering closure about what transpired during his birth. The settlement provides Miles with the resources necessary to improve his quality of life. The family has since moved into a specially adapted home that meets Miles’ needs, and he now has access to essential care services, equipment, and therapies.

The birth story: A chain of failures

Sam’s pregnancy had been routine, and she was considered to have a low-risk pregnancy by her midwives. As the due date passed, she and her partner eagerly anticipated meeting their child. Confident in the proximity of the hospital, Sam chose a home birth.

However, as labour progressed, Sam became concerned about the irregular and intense contractions. She attempted to track them but struggled. Her partner called the hospital for advice, and a community midwife arrived at their home. At this point, Sam had been in labour for several hours, and her contractions were erratic. She had not felt the baby move since the early morning. The midwife recommended they go to the hospital for an evaluation. Trusting the midwife’s guidance, Sam agreed, and they made their way to the hospital.

Upon arrival, Sam felt a glimmer of hope when she felt the baby move. However, hospital staff seemed unaware of Sam’s situation, despite the midwife having called ahead. After being shown to a maternity room, Sam and her partner were left without any support as the midwife searched for necessary equipment. The delay lasted over an hour, with Sam in increasing pain and anxiety building.

When the monitoring equipment was finally found, it was discovered that it was improperly set up. The monitor had no straps to secure it, and the midwife attempted to make do by using disposable underwear to hold it in place. The equipment continued to slip off, and Sam later learned it had been set up incorrectly. This led to inaccurate information about Miles’ condition in the womb for a critical period.

After several hours of labor with no progress, a doctor recommended an immediate caesarean section. Unfortunately, the caesarean was delayed for nearly an hour, which led to oxygen deprivation during delivery. Miles was born covered in meconium and struggled to breathe, requiring intubation and immediate transfer to a special care unit. Sam was devastated, learning that Miles had only an 80% chance of survival. Fortunately, he survived, but the traumatic birth left him with lifelong challenges.

A family’s lifelong struggle

The traumatic birth has changed the family’s life permanently. Miles will require lifelong care, as he will never be able to live independently or work. Understanding the medical negligence involved, Sam sought legal advice from AvMA (Action Against Medical Accidents) and contacted Tees to pursue a claim.

Tees took on the case and successfully demonstrated that Sam’s care during labour was substandard. We proved that with appropriate care, Miles would have had a significantly better chance and, based on the evidence, would not have suffered cerebral palsy.

If you or a loved one has been affected by cerebral palsy due to medical negligence, contact Tees to learn how we can help with cerebral palsy claims.

£90,000 settlement allows couple to fund IVF treatment after negligent surgery

Posted on 1 November 201728 March 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Tees secured a £90,000 settlement for Alicia*, a woman who became infertile after her left fallopian tube was damaged during negligent surgery. The settlement has given Alicia and her partner, Lewis*, the opportunity to pursue IVF treatment to grow their family.

Negligent surgery leads to infertility

In 2008, Alicia underwent surgery to repair a hernia located on the left side of her groin. During the procedure, surgeons noted that her fallopian tube and ovary were involved. Following the surgery, Alicia was assured by her doctors that everything had gone well. At the time, Alicia was 24 years old and had plans to start a family in the future.

Discovering the devastating consequences

In 2014, Alicia and Lewis decided to begin their family. After several months of trying, Alicia became pregnant. Tragically, she suffered a ruptured ectopic pregnancy involving her right fallopian tube, resulting in the loss of her baby. During emergency surgery to remove the ruptured tube, doctors discovered that Alicia’s left fallopian tube was missing. The removal of her right tube left Alicia completely infertile, requiring IVF to conceive.

The devastating news shattered the couple’s dreams of having a large family. Alicia developed severe depression, and both she and Lewis struggled to accept the reality of their situation.

Seeking legal support with Tees

Determined to find answers, Alicia and Lewis approached Tees to pursue a medical negligence claim. Our team investigated the circumstances surrounding Alicia’s hernia surgery. With the support of a general surgery expert, we alleged that the negligence during the procedure caused Alicia’s left fallopian tube to be damaged or removed.

The hospital admitted full liability and issued an apology.

Securing the future with a £90,000 settlement

While Alicia and Lewis were able to have one child through NHS-funded IVF, they faced further challenges. NHS support for IVF ended after their first child, leaving them unable to afford additional treatment to achieve their dream of having a large family.

Tees argued that the negligent surgery had directly prevented Alicia from conceiving naturally. We negotiated a £90,000 settlement, calculated to cover the estimated cost of IVF cycles necessary for the couple to have three more children.

The settlement provides Alicia and Lewis with financial support to continue their IVF journey and build the family they always dreamed of.

A path towards healing and hope

Following the resolution of her claim, Alicia expressed her gratitude, saying:

“I can’t thank you enough for everything. You have been so helpful and efficient throughout and I’m really pleased with the result. It does feel like a weight has been lifted now and hopefully, plenty more [children] to come.”

Katheryn Riggs, Associate Solicitor at Tees’ Bishop’s Stortford office, who worked on the case, commented:

“This was a challenging claim to value, but with the help of an expert in gynaecology and fertility, we carefully assessed the number of IVF cycles Alicia would need to have the best chance of conceiving three more children. I am delighted that we have been able to get answers and an apology for what went wrong, and that Alicia and Lewis can now move forward with their plans to grow their family.”

How Tees can help you

If you’ve experienced negligent medical care resulting in infertility or other reproductive health issues, our experienced medical negligence team can help you pursue a claim. We understand the devastating impact that medical negligence can have on your life, and we are committed to supporting you through the legal process.

Contact Tees today to speak with one of our compassionate medical negligence solicitors. We’ll listen to your story, provide expert advice, and help you secure the compensation you deserve.

Client names have been changed to protect their privacy.

£575,000 pre-trial settlement for child left with cerebral palsy as a result of poor management during labour

Posted on 15 September 201728 March 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Tees secured a £575,000 settlement for HC, a child who suffers from mild motor, learning, and cognitive impairment as a result of medical negligence during her birth.

Background: A normal pregnancy with unexpected complications

HC was born in 1985. Her mother, MC, experienced a normal pregnancy, except for a urinary tract infection at 24 weeks, which was treated without further complications.

At 34 weeks, MC was admitted to West Suffolk Hospital after experiencing irregular contractions. Medical staff monitored her using cardiotocography (CTG) to track the baby’s heart rate and contractions, initially reporting normal and reassuring results.

Signs of distress and delayed intervention

As MC’s contractions continued, her discomfort increased. A midwife detected signs of bradycardia, indicating an abnormally slow heart rate. A doctor assessed MC and observed a further slowing of the baby’s heartbeat. Concerned but uncertain of the cause, the doctor requested a consultant’s review.

Upon examination, the consultant suspected a concealed haemorrhage and ordered an emergency caesarean section. Tragically, HC’s heart rate had become undetectable five minutes before delivery. After birth, HC was unable to breathe independently for approximately 30 minutes and was transferred to Addenbrooke’s Hospital for intensive care.

Lasting impact of medical negligence

Due to the trauma and oxygen deprivation at birth, HC, now in her 30s, experiences mild motor impairment, learning difficulties, cognitive challenges, and some communication problems.

Investigating the claim: Overcoming challenges

Tees began investigating HC’s case in 2000 when she was 15 years old. The delay between her birth and the investigation posed additional challenges. Our dedicated birth injury legal team worked diligently to obtain and analyze her medical records, which were released gradually by the hospital.

Upon thorough review, we identified critical concerns regarding the management of MC’s labour. Our investigation focused on whether HC’s brain damage could have been prevented had she been delivered earlier through an emergency caesarean section.

Establishing liability and securing compensation

Initially, the hospital contested liability, denying any wrongdoing. However, Tees collaborated with expert witnesses to present detailed evidence on the negligent management of HC’s delivery.

In 2008, after extensive negotiations, the case was settled out of court, avoiding the expense and stress of a trial. HC received a £575,000 settlement, which was placed into a Personal Injury Trust to safeguard her future entitlement to means-tested benefits.

Legal insight from Tees

Janine Collier, Executive Partner and Head of Medical Negligence at Tees, commented on the case:

“In this case, our perseverance paid off. Despite the significant amount of time between HC’s birth and our investigation, we were able to identify clear evidence of negligence. The hospital missed opportunities to recognize that HC was experiencing oxygen deprivation, and an earlier caesarean section could have prevented her brain damage. The settlement will help HC access the support and resources she needs for her future.”

How Tees can help you

If you or a loved one has experienced birth injuries due to medical negligence, Tees’ specialist medical negligence solicitors can provide expert legal support. We are committed to securing the compensation and answers you deserve.

Contact Tees today to speak with one of our compassionate legal professionals.

* Client names have been changed to protect their privacy.

Asset protection through Personal Injury Trusts

Posted on 17 March 201729 March 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Securing financial stability after medical negligence

Miss A faced severe health challenges due to complications from a medical negligence case. Her condition limited her ability to work, creating uncertainty about her future employment prospects. With a young child to care for, Miss A needed financial security and the flexibility to access state benefits if necessary.

At our firm, we provided tailored legal guidance to help her establish a Personal Injury Trust (PIT). This solution ensured her compensation would be protected, allowing her to retain eligibility for means-tested benefits.

Background

Our clinical negligence team successfully represented Miss A, securing a six-figure settlement. Her goal was to purchase a home near her mother to receive family support. We recommended creating a Personal Injury Trust to safeguard her compensation. Funds held within a PIT are disregarded under means-testing rules, protecting Miss A’s entitlement to benefits.

Challenges

While the settlement brought financial relief, it also posed challenges. Without proper structuring, her compensation could have affected her eligibility for state support. Additionally, the risk of needing future residential care presented further concerns regarding the protection of her assets.

Our Solution

We advised Miss A on the establishment of a suitable Personal Injury Trust, appointing co-trustees to manage the funds responsibly. When she identified a property for purchase, it became evident that the transaction had been initiated in her sole name, risking the integrity of the trust arrangement.

Our legal team intervened promptly, ensuring the property was acquired in the trustees’ names. This step preserved the property within the trust, maintaining its status as a disregarded asset. In the event Miss A requires residential care in the future, the property’s value will be protected from local authority means tests.

Outcome

Through our expertise, Miss A achieved her goal of securing a comfortable home for her and her child, close to her family. The Personal Injury Trust offers her peace of mind, knowing her financial future is safeguarded while maintaining access to essential state benefits.

If you or a loved one are navigating the complexities of a personal injury settlement, our team is here to help. Contact us for free, confidential advice on medical negligence claims and asset protection strategies.

Tees secures £140,000 settlement for family after fatal DVT

Posted on 16 March 201729 March 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Tees secures £140,000 settlement for family after fatal DVT and Pulmonary Embolism due to medical negligence

Janine Collier recently represented a family in a successful medical negligence case, securing a £140,000 settlement after the tragic loss of a 63-year-old woman, F. The case arose from a failure to provide appropriate preventative treatment for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) following routine knee surgery, which led to a fatal pulmonary embolism.

Background: A preventable tragedy

F was an active, sporty woman who underwent knee surgery in January 2010 to treat a medial meniscal tear. Despite a known history of bilateral blood clots and varicose vein surgery, F did not receive appropriate DVT prophylaxis. Her surgery was performed as a day case at Scarborough Hospital, and she was discharged with painkillers and a follow-up appointment scheduled six weeks later.

In the days following her surgery, F experienced significant discomfort, swelling in her leg and ankle, and difficulty straightening her leg. On January 23rd, 2010, just 11 days post-surgery, her condition deteriorated rapidly. Despite her husband’s efforts and an emergency call for an ambulance, F passed away in his arms. The post-mortem report confirmed the cause of death as a pulmonary embolism resulting from DVT in her right leg.

Legal claim and allegations

The claim alleged that the medical team failed to properly assess F’s risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE) and did not take appropriate preventative measures, including the use of mechanical (e.g., compression stockings) or chemical prophylaxis, such as low molecular weight Heparin. Expert opinion concluded that had these measures been taken, F’s death would have been preventable.

While the Defendant did not admit liability, they expressed a willingness to explore a settlement.

Settlement breakdown

The family’s claim included compensation for F’s pain and suffering, as well as dependency claims for her husband and three adult children, who suffered financial losses due to her death. Notably, one of F’s daughters faced significant financial hardship, as F had provided regular childcare for her grandchildren. After her mother’s passing, she had to reduce her working hours and arrange private childcare.

The final settlement amounted to £140,000, distributed as follows:

F’s Estate (Pain and Suffering): £2,000
F’s Husband: £103,250
F’s Son: £2,500
First Daughter: £1,250
Second Daughter: £31,000

Supporting the family beyond the settlement

Following the settlement, Tees’ Wealth Management team provided tailored financial advice to F’s husband and second daughter, ensuring their compensation would be effectively managed to support their future needs.

Get expert advice on medical negligence claims

If you have concerns about medical negligence or the care provided to you or a loved one, Tees offers free and confidential legal advice. Our experienced medical negligence solicitors are dedicated to helping families secure the compensation they deserve.

Spina Bifida ante natal screening claim Bedfordshire Hospital NHS Trust

Posted on 14 March 201729 March 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

The medical negligence case of Deborah Mackay recently made headline news. Here, we discuss what we hope to achieve for Deborah in the ongoing negotiations.

Background of the case

Deborah Mackay approached Tees Law at the age of 25 following the birth of her son, Calum Mackay. Calum was born with severe spina bifida, hydrocephalus, fetal valproate syndrome, and talipes. Due to these conditions, he was severely developmentally delayed, had profound learning difficulties, and suffered from seizures.

It was unlikely that Calum would ever have been able to receive a mainstream education or obtain future employment. Experts agreed that he would be permanently dependent on a wheelchair and require 24-hour care, as well as specially adapted accommodation. However, his life expectancy was close to normal.

Despite these challenges, Deborah was a devoted mother who did everything possible to care for Calum.

Admission of negligence

Bedfordshire Hospital NHS Trust admitted that Calum’s spina bifida could and should have been identified during antenatal ultrasound scans. The hospital also accepted that had the diagnosis been made at that time, Mrs. Mackay would have been offered – and would have chosen – to terminate the pregnancy.

Legal proceedings and interim payments

Tees Law argued that the Defendant should be responsible for the additional costs associated with raising Calum due to all his disabilities. A full trial was scheduled for 2013, with the expectation of securing several million pounds in compensation.

Between 2009 and 2011, we secured interim payments totaling approximately £705,000 for Deborah. She invested £450,000 in a property in Clapham, Bedfordshire, which was adapted for Calum’s needs. The remaining funds allowed her to establish a care regime and purchase essential aids and appliances.

Calum’s unexpected passing and the financial repercussions

Tragically, in November 2011, Calum unexpectedly passed away at the age of six. Following his death, the claim was finally valued in July 2012 at £330,000. This meant that Mrs. Mackay was required to repay £375,000 within a year—a deadline set by Bedfordshire Hospital NHS Trust.

Ongoing negotiations to protect Deborah’s home

We are currently negotiating with the legal representatives of Bedford NHS Trust to ensure the best possible outcome for Deborah. While she accepts that the money must be repaid, the immediate threat of losing her home remains a pressing concern. Our primary goal is to alleviate this pressure.

The defendant has now agreed, in recent days, to take no further steps to enforce the sale of the property until at least October of this year. Additionally, we are working to ensure that the property is sold at a fair market value, rather than at a reduced price to merely satisfy the amount due to the Trust.

Legal and ethical considerations

Deborah’s lawyer commented:

“The situation Deborah is in is highly unusual. The Defendant is entitled to seek reimbursement, and Deborah acknowledges this. However, the hospital trust had initially expected to pay out several million pounds in compensation due to its negligence. Because of Calum’s tragic death, their liability has been significantly reduced. In a way, Calum’s passing has resulted in a financial windfall for the Trust.

One would hope that the Trust will now approach this matter with extreme sensitivity, given that we are dealing with a vulnerable individual facing immense hardship. Our aim is to ensure that Deborah is not left homeless as a result of repaying her liability to the NHS Trust.”

Mrs. Mackay expressed her appreciation, stating:

“Tees could not have done more. The firm gave honest, professional advice, which I felt able to accept. I am very happy with how Tees dealt with all issues.”

Free, confidential advice on medical negligence

If you have been affected by medical negligence, Tees Law offers free, confidential advice to help you understand your legal options.

Tees settles misdiagnosis claim for £13,000

Posted on 14 March 201729 March 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

A misdiagnosis settlement involving a missed heart block diagnosis and its repercussions for patient safety.

Patient admission and diagnosis

An elderly man was admitted to hospital suffering from chest pains and dizziness. An ECG was performed, and the assessing doctor, who was in a junior position, diagnosed partial heart block. A suitable treatment plan was implemented based on this diagnosis.

Misdiagnosis and consequences

Unfortunately, the junior doctor’s interpretation of the patient’s ECG was incorrect. The patient’s heart had, in fact, been in total heart block, meaning it was not beating in the correct way. The appropriate treatment in this case would have been the insertion of a pacemaker.

Missed opportunities and patient deterioration

Despite the patient’s worsening condition, several opportunities for more senior doctors to intervene were missed. Three days after his admission, the patient suffered a cardiac arrest and died.

Hospital admission of error

Following an internal review, the hospital admitted that the patient’s treatment had been incorrect. They acknowledged that had his condition been diagnosed correctly, he would have survived.

Legal outcome

Tees law successfully pursued a claim on behalf of the patient’s estate. Liability was admitted, and our medical negligence solicitor Sarah Stocker recovered £13,000 in compensation.

Contact Us

For free, confidential advice on medical negligence, please get in touch with our experienced legal team.

Tees settles three birth injury cases, winning £400k for clients

Posted on 24 February 201729 March 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

In the last twelve months, Janine Collier, Partner at Tees in Cambridge has settled three medical negligence cases concerning a failure to identify and repair perineal tears resulting in injuries to the anal sphincter complex following childbirth.

What is a perineal tear?

It is not uncommon to sustain a tear between the vagina and the anus during childbirth. First degree tears are so small and superficial (involving just the skin and the tissue surrounding the vagina) that few, if any, stitches are required. Sometimes, the tear extends further, into the muscles beneath the skin (a second degree tear) and this will need to be stitched and closed layer by layer. Around 4% of women suffer a more serious tear which extends to or through the rectum (third and fourth degree tears).

Why should perineal tears be repaired at the time of delivery?

Healthcare professionals generally accept that tears are most important to be identified and repaired at the time of delivery to reduce the risk of infection, recto-vaginal fistulae and various rectal symptomology, including faecal and flatus incontinence.

Obstetricians now undergo a rigorous training programme to minimise the chances of clinicians missing these tears after delivery; to ensure a good quality repair; and to maximise the chances of good continence following primary repair.

What are the consequences of missing a third or fourth degree tear at delivery?

Unfortunately, however, sometimes, these tears are still missed and notwithstanding a delayed repair (sometimes primary, sometimes secondary), the women suffer persistent and debilitating rectal symptomology which may include incontinence of flatus, faecal incontinence, passive soiling etc. Understandably, this has a significant effect on their lifestyle, their relationships with friends, family and Partners and, in some cases, their ability to work.

These women may be entitled to compensation to help them adapt to their situation; to fund future treatment; and to compensate them for any financial losses arising from their injuries.

How can we help you?

If you suffered a third or fourth degree tear; if this was not identified and repaired at the time of delivery; and if you suffer continuing problems as a consequence, please contact our Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury expert, Janine Collier, for some initial advice. Janine is an expert in this field of medical negligence law. For an initial chat, you can call Janine on 01223 702303 or email janine.collier@teeslaw.com

Tees is proud to support The MASIC Foundation – a charity formed to support mothers with 3rd and 4th degree tears. Visit their website to find resources for support.

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£750,000 settlement after negligent knee replacement surgery

Posted on 26 January 201729 March 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Tees secured a £750,000 settlement for a client whose knee replacement surgery was performed negligently.

The incident

Our client [E] underwent total knee replacement (TKR) surgery in March 2011. Unfortunately, a surgical error resulted in his knee and foot becoming misaligned. As a result of the surgery, E could turn his right foot 180 degrees so that it pointed directly behind him.

To correct the malrotation, E went through two painful revision knee replacement operations. He now suffers from chronic pain in his back and leg, and cannot walk long distances. The pain left him unable to work, forcing him to retire from a much-loved career operating military drones.

Seeking legal support

E contacted Tees Law about making a claim against the NHS Trust responsible for his knee surgery. Our expert team of Medical Negligence solicitors took his case on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis.

Building the case

Between 2012 and 2016, our team reviewed E’s medical records, obtained evidence from an expert Orthopaedic Surgeon, and drafted various witness statements from E’s friends and family to support his claim.

The Trust declined to send any statements or expert evidence in return and refused to admit responsibility for E’s injuries until April 2016. Even after admitting responsibility, the Trust continued to dispute the value of the claim.

Settlement achieved

In September 2016, just two weeks before trial, the Trust accepted our settlement offer. The £750,000 settlement will allow E to buy and adapt a bungalow. Due to the chronic pain in his leg, it is difficult for him to climb stairs, and we are confident that the move to a single-storey property will have a very positive impact on his quality of life.

Our specialist financial advisers provided E with independent financial advice to ensure that the substantial settlement will continue to support him.

Reflections on the case

“This was hard-fought and complex litigation in which the Trust accepted responsibility for the damage extremely late,” said the Tees lawyer in charge of the case. “In the end, the defence proved to be without foundation, and I was delighted that E received full compensation for his injuries with the opportunity to come back to court if he requires further surgery, such as an amputation or fusion, in the future.”

Client feedback

“We can’t thank you enough for your efforts in this marathon operation. The meeting went very well with Tees financial adviser, and we want to pursue some of the suggestions proposed, so we are going to be with Tees for some time to come,” said E, following the news that the settlement was accepted.

Free, confidential advice on medical negligence

If you believe you have suffered as a result of medical negligence, contact Tees Law for free, confidential advice. Our experienced solicitors are here to help you understand your options and seek the compensation you deserve.