Six-Figure Settlement After Avoidable Amputation
We secured a six-figure settlement for our client, Eric*, who experienced a life-altering above-knee amputation following a coronary artery bypass graft.
*Real name not used
What happened to Eric?
In January 2019, Eric was diagnosed with serious heart disease and underwent quadruple coronary bypass (vein taken from right leg) surgery at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London.
Following the operation, he discovered that his right leg was numb and he was unable to move his toes. Pain and swelling in the leg continued to worsen, and he was given a fasciotomy under general anaesthesia to treat compartment syndrome (an increase of pressure inside a muscle).
Despite this, and multiple further surgeries, Eric’s compartment syndrome did not improve. Medical staff were unable to find pulses in his foot, his circulation was poor, and he was experiencing extensive muscle necrosis.
Throughout his stay in the hospital, there were persistent delays in scans and reviews.
On 28th February 2019, Eric’s leg was amputated above the knee, an outcome that should have been avoided with timely diagnosis and treatment.
How did Irwin Mitchell help?
Before Eric contacted us, two other law firms had declined to take on his case. Despite this, he remained determined to pursue justice and approached our specialist medical negligence team for help.
Eric’s claim was handled by Legal Director, Louise Forsyth. The investigation began with obtaining his medical records and instructing experts.
While the initial expert evidence was unsupportive, we reassessed the case from a different clinical angle and obtained further expert opinion which supported the claim.
We then served a detailed Letter of Claim to the NHS Trust. Following this, the Trust admitted liability in full in their Letter of Response.
We also:
- Obtained further expert evidence on condition, prognosis, and life expectancy
- Secured interim payments to support Eric
- Issued and served court proceedings to formalise the claim.
The case ultimately settled for a six-figure amount before final quantum evidence was served, thereby avoiding the need to go to Court.
How will this help Eric?
The settlement has made a significant difference to Eric’s life. He now has:
- Access to specialist rehabilitation to support recovery and independence
- Ability to explore state-of-the-art prosthetics, improving mobility and comfort
- Opportunity to regain confidence and improve his social life, as he had become very isolated following his amputation
- Plans to move from an unsuitable first-floor flat to a safer, more accessible home.
On his experience of working with Irwin Mitchell, Eric said:
“Going to Court to argue against the institution which has caused me such deep and lasting trauma would have been unbearable, and Louse’s expertise, experience and commitment has saved me from having to endure that.
Further, as well as always adding personal encouragement, genuine sympathy and practical advice to her strictly legal services, Louise has recommended physio and other experts who have been able to help me in my ongoing rehabilitation – showing a degree of commitment and involvement well “above and beyond” the legal services expected of a solicitor, with a genuine understanding of the personal stresses and emotional challenges that the sufferer of a medical negligence incident experiences.
I simply can’t speak highly enough of her, professionally and personally.”
Expert comment
On Eric’s case, his solicitor, Louise, said:
“This was a devastating event for Eric, and he showed remarkable resilience throughout the legal process.
What makes this case particularly striking is that Eric had previously been turned away elsewhere, yet through careful investigation and perseverance, we were able to build a strong case that led to an early admission of liability.
While no amount of compensation can undo the harm caused, this settlement provides him with the opportunity to access specialist rehabilitation and move towards a safer and more independent future.”
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