Patient Had Spinal Tuberculosis Which Led To Collapse Of Spine

A man was left paraplegic after failures by a GP to properly investigate his back pain, a judge has ruled.

Pa Jabang, 42, from Hailsham, East Sussex suffered an irreparable spinal cord injury after part of his spine collapsed following inadequate investigation of his back pain leading to a delay in diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis (TB).

The Gambian-born fitter of refrigeration units developed middle back pain the autumn of 2011 and went to visit GP Simon Wadman at Heathfield Surgery, but the now-retired doctor failed to appropriately investigate his symptoms.

Pa instructed expert medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his care under Dr Wadman after he suffered a vertebral collapse as a result of the TB, which caused permanent damage to his spinal cord.

Following a trial at Royal Courts of Justice, Mr Justice Nicol  found Dr Wadman liable for not arranging an x-ray following Pa’s complaints of middle back pain.  Had an x-ray been undertaken, Pa’s spinal TB infection would have been identified and treated in time to prevent paralysis.

Ania Bean, a specialist medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, representing Pa, said:

Expert Opinion

“Nothing can of course turn back the clock for Pa, but the ruling by the court now means we can secure a financial settlement for him which will fund rehabilitation, support therapies and any equipment or adaptations he may require to live as independently as possible.

“Pa’s medical treatment fell far below the standards usually practised within the General Practice with devastating consequences for him and his family. He has been left with life-changing injuries which should and could have been prevented.

“We will now work to ensure his future needs will be provided for.” Ania Bean - Legal Director

Pa Jabang said: “My illness and the spinal injury I sustained have had a huge impact on my life and the lives of my close ones.  I am now wheelchair dependant, I cannot go back to work and I lost a lot of my independence.  The judge’s decision confirms that my injury could and should have been avoided.

“I am glad that I will now be able to receive care, equipment and support that I need to allow me to lead my life as independently as possible.  In particular, I have always been a very keen sportsman and I am looking forward to getting specialist sports equipment to enable me to take part in disability sports.”

If you or a loved one has suffered due to a delayed or misdiagnosed medical condition, our medical negligence solicitors could help you claim compensation. See our Medical Misdiagnosis Claims page for more information.