Wakefield Resident awarded £65,000 from Pinderfields Hospital

Published: 22nd December 2016

In 2010 a man from Wakefield had a catheter inserted into his abdomen at the urology department at Pinderfields Hospital. After the operation he was discharged home but became unwell, and was quickly re-admitted to hospital.

In 2010 a man from Wakefield had a catheter inserted into his abdomen at the urology department at Pinderfields Hospital. After the operation he was discharged home but became unwell, and was quickly re-admitted to hospital.

It was discovered that during the operation they had torn two holes in his bowels.

He had to undergo a further operation to repair the damage, which led to him developing MRSA, a wound infection and a hernia. The hernia was inoperable because of his general poor health.

These complications lead to him having to make some huge life changes to deal with his new disabilities. Luckily he is surrounded a wonderful community, especially his next door neighbour who helped him recover from his operation. However, some people are less fortunate.

He instructed Liddys Solicitors to look into why the operation went wrong. In its defence, the hospital claimed that damage to the bowel was a recognised risk of the operation and they denied liability. Court proceedings began in October 2013 and despite their previous denials of liability, they chose at that point to admit that it was their fault and the case was settled shortly after for £65,000.

The NHS is under great strain, and Doctors undeniably do a difficult job, but even so they are expected to use reasonable skill and care. Mostly they do their job very well, but when they do not, the effects can be devastating for the patient and their family. It is then right that they receive damages to help them pick up the pieces and put their life back on track.

All of our solicitors have been qualified for at least eight years. Clinical negligence is a difficult area of law and it is important to ask if your solicitor specialises in that area. To learn more about the services we provide simply call us on 01226 731 314.