Seven-figure compensation for avoidable above-knee amputation

Our specialist medical negligence team has achieved over £1 million in compensation for a young man due to the negligent management of acute ischaemia, which led to him sustaining an avoidable left above-knee amputation.

Our client began to develop left foot numbness and aching. He attended A&E and the doctor was concerned about intermittent ischaemia, so he was transferred to another hospital for a vascular review. It was concluded that the left leg was not viable, and arrangements were made for him to have his left leg amputated above the knee.

Following the operation, and with concerns over his treatment, the claimant instructed our specialist team. We obtained supportive expert evidence from a vascular surgeon who was of the view that the hospital incorrectly diagnosed chronic, as opposed to acute, ischaemia, and failed to surgically treat this vascular compromise. Had he had vascular surgery, our client would have avoided the amputation.

A pre-action letter of claim was sent. After several delays, the hospital eventually admitted that it should have performed vascular surgery and, with acceptable treatment, our client would have avoided the need for amputation.

Reports were obtained from various experts in order to value the claim, including specialists in orthopaedics, prosthetics, physiotherapy, care, psychiatry and accommodation. The value of the claim was disputed, because although the hospital admitted that our client would have avoided the amputation, it argued that he would still have had a significant disability in any event.

Court proceedings were issued, the parties exchanged expert evidence, and, following joint discussions, a settlement meeting was arranged. The claim was settled for over £1 million.

Emily Hartland, associate in the medical negligence team, comments: “Although no financial award can truly compensate our client for the life-changing amputation he had to undergo, the damages received will provide him with essential financial security and enable him to access the rehabilitation and prosthetics he needs for the rest of his life.”