Incident: The collision caused our client to sustain significant injuries, including a Traumatic Brain Injury, orthopaedic, and psychological injuries. Due to these injuries, our client lacked capacity, and her mother acted as her litigation friend. The Defendant denied liability, leading to court proceedings.

Legal Proceedings: We requested a liability-only trial for cost-effective case management, which the Defendant agreed to. Despite initial resistance from the Defendant regarding the use of Accident Reconstruction experts, we successfully argued for their inclusion. Just before the exchange of expert evidence, the Defendant proposed a Joint Settlement Meeting to discuss a monetary settlement.

Expert Involvement: We quickly instructed relevant experts on quantum and leading counsel to represent our client at the Joint Settlement Meeting. Settlement terms were agreed upon, subject to court approval due to our client’s lack of capacity.

Outcome: The Defendant had alleged that our client ran deliberately into the road. However, through effective litigation, these allegations were resolved, and our client received a £3 million settlement. We utilised our extensive experience to establish primary liability on a split basis, ensuring the best possible outcome for our client. This case highlights the importance of expert evidence and strategic litigation in achieving justice and compensation for our client, allowing her to rebuild her life after the accident.

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Hospital Investigation: An internal investigation by the hospital resulted in a Serious Untoward Incident Report, and the hospital admitted responsibility for the breach of duty and negligence. Despite this, the hospital’s representatives spent considerable time defending the value of the claim, attempting to reduce the damages awarded.

Legal Battle: SJP Law managed the claim over five years, leveraging the expertise of medical professionals. The case was finally settled out of court, securing an award that would significantly improve our client’s quality of life.

Impact of the Settlement: The settlement allows our client to focus on her future without worrying about her inability to work. She can now afford physiotherapy to improve her mobility and engage with case management services for assistance with daily tasks such as grocery shopping and attending the local leisure centre.

Enhanced Quality of Life: One of the main benefits of the settlement is that our client can now employ someone to handle routine tasks like washing, ironing, and cleaning. This support relieves her elderly parents and children from these responsibilities, allowing her to spend more quality time with her family.

New Home and Independence: The settlement also enables our client to purchase a more suitable property, making it easier for her to move around due to her mobility issues. She can now enjoy a garden, which she had missed since the incident.

Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of thorough legal support in securing justice and improving the quality of life for individuals affected by medical negligence. The dedicated efforts of SJP Law have provided our client with the financial stability and support needed to rebuild her life and enjoy her time with her family.

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Immediate Support: At the time of the accident, our client had a newborn child. SJP Law secured interim payments to fund a nursery placement, ensuring her child was well cared for during her recovery.

Care Regime: Interim payments were also secured to establish a comprehensive care regime involving both professional carers and family members. This support was crucial in managing her day-to-day needs and ensuring her well-being.

Adapted Accommodation: Recognizing the need for suitable living arrangements, a bungalow was built and adapted to meet our client’s specific needs. This was funded through interim payments, providing her with a safe and accessible home environment.

Expert Guidance: SJP Law assembled a team of high-level medical, accommodation, financial, and other experts to assess our client’s needs. Their evidence was instrumental in presenting a compelling case to the Defendant, securing maximum compensation to support her for the rest of her life.

Court of Protection: Due to her continuing disabilities, our client is a protected party under the Court of Protection, requiring court approval of the settlement. This ensures that her finances are managed in her best interest.

Ongoing Support: SJP Law continue to administer the awarded damages, acting as trustees and providing investment advice and professional support to the family. The professional care regime remains in place, ensuring our client receives the necessary support for the rest of her life.

Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of comprehensive legal and professional support in securing a future for individuals with severe disabilities. The dedication and expertise of SJP Law has provided our client with the financial stability and care she needs to live as comfortably as possible.

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A week later, whilst at home and being looked after by relatives; my father collapsed and was again admitted to hospital. Again, he was told that it was Psoriasis, even though the toes on his left foot had turned red showing signs of a vascular problem. Again, after a course of antibiotics and signs of some improvement, my father was discharged from hospital. Two days later, when the toe on my father’s left foot had turned black; he again collapsed and was rushed into hospital.

This time the family was told that my father was unlikely to survive the night, as all of his vital functions were shutting down. We spent two nights holding a vigil by his bedside but due to his sheer fighting determination he showed signs of improvement. At this point the Doctor decided to amputate my father’s leg, just below the knee. Unfortunately the infection was still present and within a week my father’s leg was operated on again to remove more of his leg. Thankfully this time the operation worked and the infection was gone.

After spending a number of months in hospital my father was finally allowed home but the whole ordeal has had a huge impact on all areas of his life and my family’s. My brother is now his full time carer and from being a very active confident man my father is now reluctant to leave the house. His lack of mobility has also led to other health issues. In many ways what my father went through has traumatised all members of my family.

My mum and I were aware that when my father was in hospital the vital signs of a vascular problem had been missed. We had spoken to the doctors and nurses about the red marks on my father’s foot however they dismissed our concerns. My mother had even written to the hospital however didn’t get a satisfactory response. We felt there was a potential negligence case to be answered and after doing some research on the internet we found SJP Law.

From the moment we made contact, SJP Law were very helpful and supportive. They kept in regular contact and made us aware of any updates on the case. We found the team very friendly and professional and they put a lot of work into winning our case. Although it took some time, we heard in December that my father had won a significant settlement thanks to SJP’s efforts. It was determined that had a simple Doppler test been carried out on my father’s left leg when he was first admitted to hospital it might well have been saved.

If there is anyone else unfortunate to find themselves in a similar situation to my father then I fully recommend the team at SJP Law.

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Legal Intervention: The client approached us to investigate the circumstances surrounding his treatment. The hospital admitted liability for the damage to his leg. We initially successfully secured interim finance of just under £100,000 to support his immediate rehabilitation and housing needs.

Rehabilitation Journey: Through our careful management and the client’s determination, he attended PACE Rehabilitation Limited in Manchester and London for prosthetic limbs. This period was incredibly challenging, but he now has two advanced prosthetic limbs, including a Microprocessor Prosthetic and a specialist knee designed to help him continue his pre-injury hobby of riding motorcycles.

Ongoing Support: The client has required significant care and assistance since his surgeries, which will continue into the future. He needs help with transport, domestic tasks, and therapeutic interventions such as counselling and occupational therapy.

Housing Adaptations: At the time of the accident, our client lived with his family in a house unsuitable for his needs. We helped locate a suitable single-storey bungalow for him, funded by the interim damages. He lived there throughout the litigation process and is now seeking a permanent home, which we will help adapt to meet his needs.

Settlement and Future Planning: After five years of litigation, a settlement of just under £2 million was reached. This compensation covers his pain and suffering, loss of earnings, and future care needs. It also ensures he can continue receiving prosthetic care from PACE Rehabilitation Limited.

Continued Support: Our involvement does not end with the settlement. We will continue to manage his settlement to maximize his damages and secure his future. This includes obtaining necessary care, occupational therapy equipment, and assisting in the purchase of a home.

Specialized Needs: One crucial aspect of the claim was securing funding for lifelong prosthetic limb provision. Given his active lifestyle before the accident, this was essential. We also arranged for a driving agency to assess his needs for driving cars and riding motorcycles. PACE Rehabilitation Limited created a specialized prosthetic limb with a knee unit that locks into position, providing the safety and confidence he needs.

Conclusion: This settlement has provided our client with the closure and financial support needed to move forward with his life. The comprehensive support from SJP Law has enabled him to regain a sense of normalcy and continue pursuing his passions.

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Incident: We gathered evidence, including expert testimony from a chest physician, to establish exposure and diagnosis. Prior to the onset of his symptoms, our client was active and healthy.

Legal Proceedings: The Defendant’s insurers admitted responsibility in October 2021 and agreed to pay interim damages. We also obtained evidence from a consultant oncologist, who recommended immunotherapy for our client. We negotiated with the insurers to fund this non-NHS treatment for as long as it was beneficial to our client.

Outcome: In December 2021, we secured a six-figure settlement for pain and suffering, family care, loss of pension, and other expenses. This settlement provided financial security for our client and his family.

Impact: The settlement included funding for ongoing immunotherapy, which significantly improved our client’s health. He proposed to his long-term partner, married, and even went on honeymoon. We continued to support our client through his immunotherapy treatment until his death in April 2023.

This case highlights the long-term impacts of asbestos exposure and the importance of securing both justice and necessary medical treatment for affected individuals.

Our client had the following to say about our service:-

I would like to thank Emma White for all of the advice and regular updates that you have given to me regarding the procedures and the claim, clearly you have been active and in communicating with the defendant and their insurance company in securing an early and very reasonable settlement.

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Neglected Symptoms: Our client was seen at home 5 days post birth by two midwives. By this time, she was experiencing severe pain at her caesarean site, a foul smell from the wound, and a fever. Despite raising these concerns, the trainee midwife only changed the dressing and reassured her that the seeping wound was not a cause for worry.

Deterioration and Hospital Admission: Overnight and into the next day, our client’s condition worsened, with fever, sweating, shaking, and increased pain. She attended the birth centre that evening, where her wound was found to be red, swollen, and leaking fluid. Tests confirmed sepsis, and she required surgery for debridement of the infected wound.

Ongoing Complications: Post-surgery, our client needed IV antibiotics and monitoring. Despite initial improvements, she experienced further complications and a CT scan on 23 June revealed an infected collection, necessitating another urgent surgery and the application of a VAC dressing.

Recovery and Long-Term Impact: Our client was discharged from hospital over two weeks later but required frequent follow-ups. The wound took twice as long to heal as expected, resulting in increased scar tissue, discomfort, and restricted movement.  In addition to the physical impact our client developed an adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, as well as a specific phobia of medical care. She is also fearful of becoming pregnant again. Psychological therapy has been recommended to help her cope with these issues.

Conclusion: We alleged that the Trust failed to treat our client’s caesarean wound infection and as a result the infection was neglected, leading to the development of sepsis.  The claim was fully denied by the Trust.  We challenged their response which led to the Trust making a very reasonable offer of settlement, which our client accepted.

This case highlights the critical importance of thorough and timely postnatal care. The negligence in our client’s care led to severe physical and psychological consequences. The support and intervention of SJP Law were crucial in addressing these failures and securing the necessary treatment and compensation for our client.

Our client had the following to say about our service:-

The service I received was beyond professional. The member of staff that dealt with my case was very understanding and patient with me. It gave me piece of mind and took the stress out of it all for me.

Thank you to Emma White, you are the most professional and understanding person I have ever dealt with and made the whole process easy.

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Initial Medical Visits: Despite these alarming symptoms, when our client visited a Walk-in Centre, the nurses failed to accurately record her description of the pain. One nurse misinterpreted her symptoms as lower back pain and diagnosed a muscular sprain. This inaccuracy in note-taking became a critical issue as the claim progressed.

Worsening Condition: Over the following days, the claimant’s headaches and vomiting intensified, leading her to visit the Accident and Emergency Department. A CT scan and lumbar puncture confirmed a subarachnoid haemorrhage, and she was referred to a Neurological Centre.

Medical Procedures: Our client was diagnosed with a 5mm MCA aneurysm and underwent a coiling procedure. Unfortunately, she later suffered vasospasm, resulting in right facial weakness and right-sided pronator drift. She required further treatment and was readmitted for intensive therapy.

Further Complications: A year later, our client needed additional coiling treatment for another aneurysm. Follow-up scans showed that all aneurysms were adequately occluded. However, the delay in initial diagnosis deprived her of immediate therapies to prevent vasospasm, leading to severe complications.

Legal Battle: SJP Law were instructed just eight weeks before the limitation period expired. We acted quickly to secure an extension from the Defendant Trust and issue protective proceedings due to a lack of response. Our client’s condition, including severe vasospasm and stroke, was attributed to the negligent delay in diagnosis.

Permanent Impact: Our client now suffers from permanent neurological symptoms, including poor memory, concentration issues, difficulty multitasking, mental and physical fatigue, and pins and needles in her right arm.

Expert Evidence: Medical records were reviewed, and expert reports from a Consultant Neurosurgeon and a Neuroradiologist supported the case. Further investigations confirmed that timely referral and treatment could have prevented the severe complications.

Settlement: Despite the Defendant Trust’s initial refusal to settle, the case proceeded to a Costs Case Management Conference, and a trial was scheduled. The Defendant made a Part 36 Offer, which was rejected. Our client’s Part 36 Offer was eventually accepted by the Defendant.Conclusion: This fully defended case, with no admissions from the Defendant Trust, highlights the importance of accurate medical record-keeping and timely diagnosis. The perseverance of SJP Law ensured that our client received the compensation she deserved, providing some relief from the lasting impact of her condition.

Our client had the following to say about our service:-

I received a fantastic service from Stamp Jackson and Procter, they kept me informed at all times and explained every detail clearly so that I knew exactly what was being done to help me.I have been really happy with the service, support and guidance provided and would recommend them 100% to anyone who needs their service.

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I had the operation in late December 2010 and was discharged home with surgical stockings which I was instructed to put on once my dressing was taken off, 48 hours after surgery. Five days later I developed severe pain and swelling in my left leg and was rushed to A&E in an ambulance. There I was diagnosed with extensive and life threatening DVT and was immediately put on medication.

I ended up spending a month in hospital and even once I was home my leg continued to swell meaning I had to have another MRI scan which led to further treatment. This limited my mobility and even now, six years later I rely on medication and the use of a wheelchair and walking stick.

It was whilst I was at home that I heard an advert about claiming for medical negligence. I felt the hospital had a case to answer to because I didn’t think they had taken enough preventative measures to stop me developing DVT given my family history.

I gave the medical accident claimline a call and was put in touch with Mark Slade at Stamp, Jackson and Procter who listened to the details and was willing to take on my case.

Mark arranged for me to see the necessary experts in order to prove my case. I learnt that because of my medical history I should have been on blood thinning Heparin for a week before my operation in order to reduce the risk of DVT however this was never prescribed.

The service I received from Mark and SJP was excellent. I was always able to speak directly to Mark and he was happy to explain anything which was unclear. He was even prepared to visit me at home to discuss the next steps in my case when I was struggling with limited mobility.

For a time it did feel as though nobody at the hospital was prepared to take responsibility however Mark and his team persisted and given the evidence they did eventually accept liability and I was awarded a substantial settlement.

I was so pleased with the service I received from SJP that I’ve already recommended Mark and the team to a number of family and friends.

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During the operation the bacteria entered my abdomen and infected my blood and tissue. I ended up on a life support machine for five months during which time my body not only had to fight the MRSA but Septicaemia and Peritonitis. To treat the conditions the hospital gave me strong antibacterial antibiotics called Teicoplanin but I was given twice the recommended dosage which caused permanent damage to my ears. I lost complete hearing in the left ear and partial hearing in my right. The significant damage to my inner ear caused balance problems.

I was in hospital for a total of eight months and once released I spent months recovering in bed at home. Unfortunately, during this time my marriage broke down and I was unable to return to work due to suffering with pain in my abdomen, hearing loss and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder so my children and I moved to be nearer to my family so that they were able to support and help me as the operation had proved to be life changing.

I was talking to a friend about my circumstances and they recommended I call Neil Holland at SJP Law. From the first telephone conversation with Neil, he put me at ease and I felt I could tell him everything I had been through. Neil was certain there was a case to be answered and a claim was made against the Hospital.

Throughout my case I found Neil and his team to be friendly and reassuring and they were always available for support and advice. At all critical points they kept me fully informed and let me make the decision I felt was right for me.

Even though the hospital would not accept liability for the MRSA, as I had contracted this before my operation, they did admit to giving me twice the recommended dosage of Teicoplanin and I was awarded damages for my permanent loss of hearing and other inner ear problems.

Although my case is settled I still continue to receive advice and support from SJP Law as they are able to advise on how to invest the money I was awarded to ensure my needs are looked after in the future. I’m a huge advocate for SJP Law and recommend their services to everyone who needs friendly legal advice.

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