An NHS Trust based in the North of England has agreed to pay £200,000 in compensation to a patient who suffered significant injuries following a hip replacement procedure in which incorrect components were used.
The surgery resulted in the patient, who has asked not to be named, experiencing chronic pain, mobility issues due to the error, which occurred despite the manufacturer’s clear labelling.
She went on to repeatedly raise concerns about the surgery which had left her in pain. However, no corrective action was taken by medical staff during this time.
As a result, the patient eventually required complex revision surgery to correct the mistake, but the delays significantly prolonged her recovery, as well as ongoing symptoms which have severely impacted her quality of life and ability to work.
She subsequently instructed medical law experts at Thompsons Solicitors through her union membership with UNISON, who went on to investigate the care she received amidst concerns that earlier intervention could have mitigated the severity of her injuries.
Her legal team, led by Victoria Clark from the firm’s Newcastle office, alleged that the use of incorrect components and the failure to address the patient’s concerns at follow-up appointments contributed, to her ongoing symptoms.
The Trust later admitted to breaching its duty of care and acknowledged that the revision surgery was a direct result of the initial errors, and that it could have been avoided.
The claim later settled out of court for £200,000 which will help fund future therapy and accommodation costs required due to her ongoing disabilities caused by the negligence.
Commenting on the outcome of the case, Victoria Clark said: "The use of incorrect components in this surgery and the subsequent failure to investigate her complaints for such a prolonged period caused our client needless suffering.
“We are pleased that, after many difficult years, we were able to secure compensation that will help fund her ongoing therapy and care needs. The settlement not only acknowledges the physical impact of her injuries but also the emotional toll the ordeal has taken on her mental well-being and her ability to work.”