Gadsby Wicks, a specialised medical negligence firm serving Essex and East Anglia, has successfully represented their client in reaching a just settlement following surgical complications arising from an elective laparoscopic bilateral inguinal hernia repair.
The case was led by Tony Mitty, a seasoned solicitor and Partner at Gadsby Wicks, who played a pivotal role in advancing the client’s claim against the surgical error, ultimately securing the desired answers and compensation.
The Case
The claimant, referred to as Mr. L to safeguard his and his family’s identity, underwent elective laparoscopic bilateral inguinal hernia repair and was discharged on the same day.
However, shortly after leaving the hospital, Mr. L experienced severe pain and vomiting, prompting him to call for an ambulance. He was subsequently taken to a different hospital, where it was discovered that he had suffered a perforated bowel during the previous procedure.
Mr. L underwent emergency surgery to rectify the potentially life-threatening situation. Although the operation was successful, he faced additional medical challenges, including ileus, pneumonia, a wound infection, and a midline incisional hernia necessitating further surgical intervention. Moreover, his bowel habits were adversely affected.
In addition to the physical consequences, Mr. L also grappled with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stemming from the ordeal, along with a relapse of his pre-existing bipolar affective disorder.
The Claim
Mr. L pursued the claim on the grounds that the initial surgery he underwent was performed below an acceptable standard. Further investigation by Mr. Mitty and Gadsby Wicks revealed that the bowel was perforated during the insertion of a trocar, a standard surgical instrument, and this issue had not been identified before concluding the surgery.
Had the procedure been carried out without this error, Mr. L would have experienced a complete and prompt recovery, sparing him the physical and emotional distress he endured in the aftermath of the surgery.
The Outcome
In Mr. L’s case, the defendants admitted liability in the protocol Letter of Response, and the claim was resolved through mediation before legal proceedings were initiated.
This resolution provided Mr. L with the justice and compensation he rightly deserved, along with crucial answers regarding the incident, enabling him to move forward from this challenging chapter.
Tony Mitty, the solicitor overseeing the case, remarked, “While compensation cannot erase the suffering my client endured, we are gratified to have assisted him and his family in securing the settlement he was rightfully entitled to.”
He added, “It is a privilege to have been able to offer solace and closure to my client during this period. I hope that this outcome will also contribute to preventing similar situations from occurring in the future.”
Gadsby Wicks remains dedicated to securing justice for clients who have experienced surgical complications, as the firm continues to see a significant surge in medical negligence claims over the past 12 months.
About Gadsby Wicks
Gadsby Wicks Solicitors stands as the sole specialist medical negligence firm in Essex and East Anglia. Established in 1993, the firm annually assists individuals in claiming millions in compensation for issues such as delayed treatment, medical misdiagnosis, birth injuries, surgical complications, and more.
With a team of medical negligence solicitors boasting extensive legal and clinical expertise, Gadsby Wicks is recognised as a top firm in their field. They tirelessly support clients through complex and challenging circumstances, with 96% of their cases settled outside of court.
Notably, Gadsby Wicks is the first firm in England to have two or more lawyers accredited by the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL), and Gillian Gadsby, Managing Partner, serves on the Clinical Negligence Specialist Panel for Action Against Medical Accidents (AvMA).
For additional information, please visit their website at www.gadsbywicks.co.uk or contact their team at 01245 494929.
