Surgical Injury Claims Stories

Settlement Achieved for Plaintiff who suffers a left above-knee leg amputation as a result of negligence during surgery

The Plaintiff in this matter was diagnosed as suffering from rectal cancer for which he required extensive surgery following chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment. During surgery, the Plaintiff suffered an injury to the common iliac artery in his left leg. The injury was repaired at the time of surgery, but the injured artery subsequently ruptured causing the Plaintiff to become critically ill and necessitating multiple further surgeries.
Surgical Injury Claims Story
A left above knee amputation ultimately had to be performed. The Plaintiff was also left with a faecal fistula, resulting in ongoing issues with perianal discharge and an increased risk of sepsis.

Clare Flavin investigated the standard of care afforded to the Plaintiff and obtained expert evidence which confirmed that the Plaintiff’s artery was negligently injured during the course of surgery and that but for same, the Plaintiff would not have lost his left leg or suffered from a faecal fistula. The Plaintiff’s quality of life was significantly impacted because of his very serious injuries. Reports were obtained from a variety of experts in areas covering nursing care, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, prosthetics, rehabilitation, pain management, psychiatry and architecture in order to assess the Plaintiff’s future requirements.

Proceedings were issued in August 2018 and given the unfortunate progression of the Plaintiff’s cancer, it became necessary to expedite the claim and a trial date was obtained in June 2019. During a mediation in May 2019, the case settled for a substantial amount together with the Plaintiff’s costs.

DD v HSE & Colo-rectal surgeon

In 2015 the Plaintiff had a polyp removed from her colon. The polyp was cancerous and there was a risk of lymphatic disease. When the polyp was removed the consultant informed the Plaintiff that he “tattooed” the site of the polyp to assist in identification of its location should further investigations or treatment be required.

The polyp had been anatomically located at the hepatic flexor (right side of the large intestine) at its junction with the traverse colon and, apparently, the consultant believed that this is the site which he “tattooed”.

Surgical Injury Claims Story
The Plaintiff was advised to undergo a laparoscopic right hemicolectomy (removal of the ascending colon commencing at the hepatic flexure) and the Plaintiff consented to this surgery. During the operation it became apparent that the polyp had, in fact, been located near the splenic flexor (the left side of the large intestine at the junction of the descending colon and the traverse colon). The doctor had removed the descending colon and was unable to find the “tattooing” and continued exploration and found the tattoo near the splenic flexure.

He therefore had to convert the right hemi colectomy to an extended right hemi colectomy which involves removing (as he had already done) the ascending colon as well as the entirety of the transverse colon and a portion of the descending colon.

The Plaintiff claimed that the more extensive surgery which was carried out by the doctor was unnecessary and, in fact, she should have undergone a left hemicolectomy and by reason of the extent of the surgery she suffered from significant injuries with significant impact on her day to day life.

The Defendant denied that any negligence occurred, but the case was settled for a substantial sum, to include the Plaintiff’s legal fees, shortly before the trial date.

Rachael Liston

Rachael Liston

Managing Partner

Aoife O'Kane

Aoife O'Kane

Partner

Amy-Langan-Liston-Flavin

Amy Langan

Senior Associate

Client Stories

Stillbirth/Neonatal Death Story
Rachael Liston represented the parents of Baby Mary-Kate Kelly who was stillborn on Tuesday 28th May 2013 in St Munchin’s Hospital, Limerick.

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STILLBIRTH & NEONATAL DEATHS CLAIMS

Sepsis Claims Story

The Plaintiff was referred to a gynaecologist to have a Posterior Repair Fixation and Mesh Procedure. The purpose of that procedure was to deal with a vault prolapse, from which the Plaintiff was suffering. Following the procedure, the Plaintiff developed complications and became unwell. Anti-biotic therapy was commenced, and the Plaintiff was discharged home but she continued to suffer from significant symptoms. She was readmitted to hospital suffering from severe sepsis and septic shock.

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Tear Claims Story

Substantial Settlement Achieved for Plaintiff who Suffered from Sepsis and Undiagnosed Third-Degree Tear Following Delivery. The Plaintiff in this matter attended a regional maternity hospital for antenatal care when she became pregnant with her second child. The Plaintiff delivered a healthy baby by way of an assisted delivery and an episiotomy.

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BIRTH INJURY TO MOTHER CLAIMS

Cancer Misdiagnosis Claims Story

Ms Alison McCormack, the Plaintiff in this case, sought compensation for personal injuries caused as a result of the failure of St James’s Hospital to properly interpret and diagnose the fact that she was suffering from invasive ductal carcinoma when she underwent testing in September, 2010.

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MISDIAGNOSIS CLAIMS

Fatal Claims Story

Marian Tracy was advised by her doctor to undergo a thyroidectomy. She attended at St. James’s Hospital where her anticoagulation medication was changed from Rivaroxaban to Heparin and she was deemed fit for surgery. On the 14th May 2015 she underwent a total thyroidectomy and the post-operative advice given was to monitor the patient for haematoma.

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FATAL CLAIMS

Inquests Story

Medical Misadventure Verdict in the Inquest into the Death of Baby Darragh Butler at the Coombe Hospital. We represented the parents of Baby Darragh Butler, Deceased at the inquest into his death. The Coroner ruled that he died as a result of medical misadventure.

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Surgical Injury Claims Story

Settlement Achieved for Plaintiff who suffers a left above-knee leg amputation as a result of negligence during surgery.

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SURGICAL INJURY CLAIMS

For more information about how we can help you with medical negligence claims, please contact Rachael Liston on 01-9123240 or email info@rachaelliston.ie