Judge Rules Surgeon And Surgery Liable After Woman Developed Sepsis

A British woman who nearly died after developing sepsis following cosmetic surgery abroad has spoken out after a judge awarded her a settlement in connection with her “ordeal”.

Laura Donald from Oxford underwent breast augmentation surgery and thigh liposuction in Wroclaw, Poland.  She subsequently fell ill with sepsis and underwent reconstructive surgery after returning to the UK.

Cosmetic surgery abroad lawyers investigate Laura's care

Laura, 35, instructed specialist international cosmetic surgery lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate the care she received in Poland.

Following a trial, a High Court judge has now handed down judgment ruling that surgeon Dr Adam Kalecinski, and his company Noa Clinic Uslugi Medyczne was responsible for Laura’s injuries. 

She had travelled to Poland for surgery in January 2015 after saving for years for treatment, finding the surgery online.

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“What happened to Laura cannot be downplayed. She was close to death after developing her infection as a result of the substandard care she received abroad.

“The last few years and trying to come to terms with both the physical and mental ordeal she’s been through has been incredibly difficult. While Laura has overcome sepsis she’s required a number of revision surgeries to try and rectify the complications she’s been left with.

“While nothing can make up for what she’s been through we’re pleased to have secured the answers Laura deserved. This court finding will hopefully provide some closure and allow Laura to move on from what happened to her the best she can.

“Sadly we’re seeing increasing numbers of cases involving people travelling abroad for cosmetic surgery.

“While on the face of it such trips looks appealing and websites look professional, there can often be a complex system behind such bookings and who may be responsible if something does go wrong.

“There are always risks to consider in any type of surgical treatment, but there are particular risks involved in having a surgical procedure in a different country. We’d encourage people to thoroughly research various options before committing to any procedure.

“It’s vital people understand what redress they have if something goes wrong and that they know the details of insurers in place.” Cheryl Palmer-Hughes - Partner and Head of our International Serious Injury Desk

Medical negligence abroad: Laura Donald's story

Laura, a mother-three, said: “The pain and discomfort I felt came on pretty soon after the surgery and continued to get worse.  By the following day, I was in agony and felt feverish.  I told the nurse who came to change my dressings how poorly I was feelings but she just said I was fine.

“My condition got worse, and I don’t really know how I got back on the flight home. Fortunately, when I landed my family took me straight to hospital where I was diagnosed with sepsis.  

“I can’t remember much about initially being in hospital as I was that poorly, but my family have said I was critically ill. 

“However, overcoming sepsis wasn’t the end of it. The last few years have been a nightmare. I’ve undergone a lot of further operations, including skin grafting and revision surgery.  The whole experience has been terribly upsetting.  

“If I’d have known then what I do now I wouldn’t have booked the trip. I didn’t book it on a whim and spent months looking into various options. Everything seemed fine and I felt reassured by the fact that the doctors had worked in the UK and everything was communicated in English.

“Nothing will change what happened to me or make up for nearly dying, but I’m thankful that I’ve got justice for what happened. I just hope that by speaking out I can help stop what happened to me happening to others.”

Top tips to minimise risks involved in cosmetic surgery abroad

More information about how to stay safe when travelling for surgery and more about our expertise in supporting people following surgery can be found at our dedicated cosmetic surgery abroad section. Alternatively to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.