£825,000 for a 79-year-old lady who suffered catastrophic injuries after bile duct surgical injury.
£825,000 in a reported case in 2019 for a 79-year-old lady who suffered bilary sepsis and a blocked common bile duct stent.
This claimant had suffered her injury 6 years previously. There were many instances of alleged substandard care:
- A failure to warn her about the risks of undergoing a procedure called an ERCP,
- A consultant hepatobiliary surgeon should have discussed alternative surgical options with her.
- In addition, alleged failure to arrange a follow-up appointment within 4 to 6 weeks after the ERCP procedure.
- Failing to make her aware that only partial clearance of bile stones had been achieved.
- Failing to take steps to prevent sepsis from occurring.
- Failure to arrange a further urgent ERCP.
- Using long-term stenting of the bile duct from 2004 onwards rather than as a temporary measure for a few weeks, before she underwent definitive surgery.
Liability was not admitted.
The claimant suffered life-changing injuries. She underwent a below knee amputation and partial amputation of her fingers and toes, due to sepsis. She required a prosthesis, a wheelchair or mobility scooter and alternative accommodation as she was no longer able to live in her existing property. Due to her disabilities she required additional help with her personal care and household chores.
