Moore Blatch have obtained £120,000 compensation for a client who developed neuropathic neck pain following surgery to remove a benign neck lipoma at Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth in June 2013.
Mr K, then aged 53, alleged that he was not given full and proper advice about the risk of neuropathic pain being caused by surgery to his neck, where he had had a previous operation, and that the procedure was negligently performed.
Mr K’s Greater Auricular Nerve was damaged during surgery and this led to the development of neuropathic pain. He suffered from a constant burning and over-sensitive neck which also restricted his neck mobility and this in turn prevented him from continuing with his life-long career as a heavy goods vehicle driver. Mr K also developed depression as a result of his neck pain. He had been able to find alternative work, but would always be handicapped on the labour market.
The Defendant vigorously denied liability throughout the case and formal legal proceedings needed to be issued. Whilst the Defendant continued to deny liability, a compromise of the claim was agreed at a settlement meeting which took place just weeks before the trial was due to take place. Settlement was agreed at £120,000.
Paul Kingsley, one of our expert clinical negligence solicitors, said:
“This was a difficult and hard-fought claim involving some subtle injuries whose impact was not always obvious. Although Mr K had been able to continue working for some time before having to look for alternative and less well paid employment, this simply led to the Defendant questioning the extent of his injuries and loss. As the Defendant denied liability throughout, I’m very pleased that we have been able to resolve the claim and provide Mr K with some degree of financial security for the future”.
Mr K said:
“When I had problems following my operation in 2013, I struggled on as best I could but eventually things proved too much and I had to look for other work. I sought help and advice and am very grateful for the hard work and dedication shown by Paul Kingsley and his team at Moore Blatch. Paul kept me informed about the progress of my claim and carefully explained what was happening every step of the way up to and including settlement. Many thanks.”
