Clinical Negligence Compensation – Case Study
What Happened
Our client, a woman suffering from right-sided hearing loss and tinnitus, sought medical attention in 2013. She was referred by her GP to the Audiology Department at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust. Despite multiple referrals, her case was rejected by the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Department, delaying a critical diagnosis.
Over the next five years, her symptoms worsened, including veering to the right when walking. In 2018, she was finally referred for an MRI scan, which revealed a large acoustic schwannoma (tumour) measuring 36x29x35mm. Due to its size, the tumour required a right trans-labyrinthine debulking operation rather than non-surgical intervention.
Following surgery, she suffered from a loss of taste, balance issues, nerve palsy and right-eye damage, which significantly impacted her quality of life.
How Waldrons Solicitors Helped Secure Compensation
Francesca Hodgetts, a specialist Clinical Negligence Solicitor at Waldrons Solicitors, took on the case to investigate potential breaches of duty. The legal team instructed a Consultant ENT Surgeon to provide expert evidence, who concluded that the failure to accept the Claimant as an ENT patient in 2013 was a breach of duty. The expert also confirmed that an MRI scan in 2013 would have diagnosed the tumour earlier, preventing the need for such extensive surgery.
A Letter of Claim was sent to Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust. The Defendant admitted liability, acknowledging that an earlier referral to ENT and MRI scan would have diagnosed the tumour in 2014, avoiding the severity of the subsequent complications.
Further expert evidence was obtained from ENT specialists, a Neuro Oncologist, a Neurosurgeon, and a Neuro Ophthalmologist to support the claim. A Barrister was also instructed to assist in valuing the claim. Following negotiations, a settlement was successfully reached.
Client Satisfaction & Positive Outcome
Our client was pleased with the outcome, leaving the following feedback:
“Although it has been a lengthy process, I have been totally satisfied with the way Waldrons, in particular Francesca Hodgetts have dealt with my medical negligence case.
Fran has been very thorough with her investigations and has kept me well informed throughout either by letter or phone. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Fran and all at Waldrons for their time and patience when answering any queries always in a friendly manner. I would certainly recommend them.”
Expert Legal Support for Clinical Negligence Claims
If you or someone you know has suffered due to medical negligence, Waldrons Solicitors can help. Our experienced Clinical Negligence team offers a free, no-obligation consultation to assess your case. Contact us today for expert legal advice and to discuss your potential clinical negligence claim.
About Francesca Hodgetts
Click here to learn more about Francesca Hodgetts, a dedicated Clinical Negligence Solicitor at Waldrons Solicitors, with extensive experience in securing compensation for medical negligence claims.
