Vasectomy Horror Stories
What can amount to a wrong amputation? Of course the common problem and horror stories that we have all heard is removal of the wrong arm or leg. A simple marking up mistake can lead to this grave error and it still happens. However, in addition to these well known medical negligence cases, what other amputations can be carried out negligently?
The wrong testicle
Removal of the wrong testicle is as serious usual resulting in the patient losing both testicles and perhaps the chance to father children.
The wrong disc in a back
Often back discs are removed when someone suffers severe and constant pain and all other remedies have been attempted. If the wrong disc is removed, it is often sometime before the mistake is realised, usually when the patient is still feeling severe pain.
Amputation of the wrong hip
Another dire and serious case of medical negligence causing complications as a replacement hip does not have a great period of longevity.
What Should You Do?
The first step is to complain, as soon as possible after the event. You should of course demand an explanation, and ensure that the hospital follows its complaints procedures and responds to your complaint.
At the same time you should also seek urgent and early advice from a specialist medical negligence solicitor. You will need a solicitor to help you with your claim for compensation. Even with what seems a relatively straightforward claim, it is complex to value the claim and needs and expert.
Valuing Your Claim
A medical negligence solicitor will value your claim. He or she will obtain evidence to support all aspects of your claim. This will include medical evidence from a surgeon to explain what went wrong and to confirm that in their opinion the treatment was negligent. In addition, further medical evidence will be required to explain the pain and suffering that you have experienced, advise on any future treatment or operations required, and to comment on the long term impact of the wrong amputation.
This medical evidence will be used to quantify the claim for your pain and suffering.
In addition, your solicitor will also claim for losses and expenses. If your amputation was to a major limb, this can be significant, including alterations to your house or moving costs to a new house, career retraining, ongoing private medical treatment, medical aids and appliances etc.
Other expenses and losses can also be claimed, including lost earnings and travel costs.
Summary.
A wrong amputation is a serious and costly mistake and unfortunately can only be remedied by a payment of compensation. This clearly cannot replace the lost limb, but is the best that can be done in the circumstances. Ensure that you take early action to protect your legal rights, and more importantly, to stop such mistakes being made again in the future.
Read more by viewing my Free Medical Negligence Claims Guide.
Nicholas Jervis is a personal injury solicitor (non-practising) and a director of 1stClaims.co.uk, a claims company which connects innocent personal injury and medical negligence victims with expert solicitors at no cost to the individual. 1stClaims can help you with all claims including Suing The NHS
