£785,000 settlement for patient who developed DVT and post-thrombotic syndrome after negligent care by orthopaedic surgeon Jurgen Stamer at Spire Murrayfield Hospital
Penningtons Manches Cooper has secured compensation of £785,000 for a client who developed a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and subsequent post-thrombotic syndrome following a negligent failure to prescribe anti-coagulant medication after ACL knee reconstruction surgery performed under the care of orthopaedic surgeon Jurgen Stamer at Spire Murrayfield Hospital, Wirral.
The claimant initially experienced sudden right knee pain and was diagnosed with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). During a routine pre-operative assessment, it was identified that he would require post-surgical anti-coagulation to reduce the risk of a DVT. However, post-operatively, the prescribed anti-coagulant medication was omitted. The claimant subsequently developed a DVT and despite reporting pain and swelling in his leg, diagnosis was delayed, allowing his condition to deteriorate significantly.
When the DVT was finally diagnosed, his D-dimer levels were grossly abnormal, and ultrasound imaging revealed extensive occlusive and non-occlusive clots in the common femoral artery, superficial femoral vein, and popliteal veins. The claimant now requires lifelong blood-thinning medication.
Penningtons Manches Cooper obtained expert evidence from orthopaedic and vascular specialists, both of whom confirmed serious failings in his care: the omission of anti-coagulation medication despite known risk factors and the delayed diagnosis of his DVT. Expert opinion concluded that, had medication been prescribed, the DVT and subsequent post-thrombotic syndrome would have been avoided.
Further investigations revealed permanent and irreversible damage to the deep veins in the claimant’s lower leg, leaving him at lifelong risk of haemorrhage, ulceration, and even amputation.
Early admissions of liability were secured, and subsequent investigations focused on quantifying the claimant’s losses. Due to his injuries, he was unable to return to his previous employment and lost the opportunity to pursue future career prospects, resulting in significant loss of earnings and pension.
Spire Healthcare has offered its sincere apologies for the failings in care and expressed regret for the outcome.
Lyndsey Skibinski, a senior associate in the medical negligence team at Penningtons Manches Cooper, who represented the claimant, commented: “This case highlights the devastating impact an avoidable injury can have on an individual and their family. My client now faces a lifetime of medication and permanent, irreversible injury to his leg – all of which could have been easily prevented. It was essential that those responsible were held fully to account, and this settlement reflects that.”