Northcote Solicitors Secures a £2 Million Settlement in a Medical Negligence Case
In a significant out-of-court settlement, Northcote Solicitors, the leading medical negligence solicitor in Preston, successfully represented a claimant in a complex and harrowing case that has highlighted the critical importance of meticulous medical care and the devastating consequences of clinical negligence. The case of W v Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which culminated in a £2,000,000 settlement, is not only a testament to the resilience of the claimant but also underscores Northcote Solicitors' position as a leading firm of solicitors in personal injury claims in Preston and beyond.
A Simple Fall with Catastrophic Consequences
In early 2018, the claimant, W, experienced what should have been a routine medical procedure after sustaining injuries from a fall. W presented at the Emergency Department at Royal Preston Hospital, complaining of knee pain, pain in the left wrist, and a laceration on the left forearm. However, what transpired over the following days would drastically alter the course of W’s life.
The emergency department's failure to properly clean and irrigate the wound on W's left hand and to administer necessary antibiotics led to a catastrophic chain of events. The initial oversight in wound care resulted in the development of necrotising fasciitis, a life-threatening bacterial infection that rapidly spread through the tissues of the left hand and forearm. Despite multiple surgical interventions, including fasciotomies, carpal tunnel decompression, and multiple washouts, the infection progressed relentlessly. By April 7, 2018, W underwent an amputation of her left hand, and eventually, a trans-radial amputation at the mid-forearm level was performed on November 17, 2018.
Allegations of Medical Negligence and Liability Admission
The crux of the case hinged on the clear and undeniable failure of the hospital staff to adhere to standard medical procedures, specifically the failure to properly clean and irrigate the wound and to administer antibiotics promptly. These critical lapses in care allowed the infection to take hold, leading to irreversible damage and the eventual amputation of W's non-dominant left hand at the mid-forearm level.
The hospital admitted liability for the negligence, acknowledging that the catastrophic outcome could have been prevented with appropriate initial care. This admission paved the way for an out-of-court settlement, sparing W the additional trauma of a protracted trial.
The Impact on W's Life
The consequences of the hospital's medical negligence have been profound and life-altering for W. The loss of W’s hand has resulted in permanent physical limitations and has necessitated extensive care and support. W now requires daily care, occupational therapy, and specialised housing. W’s treatment has included a comprehensive functional restoration program and the provision of multiple prostheses, including a cosmetic prosthesis, a myoelectric prosthesis for functional use, and a function-specific cycle prosthesis.
In addition to the physical and practical challenges, W endures ongoing phantom pain and hypersensitivity in the residual limb. The emotional and psychological toll of the injury cannot be overstated, as W navigates a life forever changed by the events of 2018.
The Settlement
The settlement reached in this case is one of the largest in recent memory for an injury of this type, reflecting both the severity of W's injuries and the meticulous work of our legal team here at Northcote Solicitors. The £2,000,000 settlement includes sums for for pain, suffering, and loss of amenity (PSLA), past care and miscellaneous losses, and substantial sums for future care and case management, accommodation, prosthetics, aids and equipment, and therapies/treatment.
This comprehensive settlement ensures that W will have the resources to manage the condition and maintain a degree of independence and quality of life. It also serves as a sobering reminder of the critical importance of proper medical care and the far-reaching consequences of clinical negligence.
Northcote Solicitors: Your Medical Negligence Solicitor in Preston
The successful outcome of W v Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is a clear demonstration of our expertise and dedication in the field of personal injury law. Specialising in cases of medical negligence, we have built a reputation for securing justice for our clients through thorough investigation, expert legal strategy, and compassionate client care.
As a leading practitioner in Preston and the wider region, Northcote Solicitors is committed to advocating for victims of clinical negligence and ensuring that those who have suffered due to medical errors receive the compensation they deserve. Our deep understanding of the complexities of personal injury law, combined with our unwavering commitment to our clients, has positioned us as a trusted and formidable force in the legal community.
A Case that Sets a Precedent
The case of W v Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust will undoubtedly serve as a precedent in the realm of personal injury law, particularly in cases involving medical negligence. It highlights the critical need for healthcare providers to adhere strictly to medical protocols to prevent such devastating outcomes.
For Northcote Solicitors, this case highlighted our ability to navigate complex legal challenges and secure life-changing settlements for our clients.
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