£23,000 Settlement
Rachel, from Liverpool, attended the Defendant’s hospital in March 2015 to undergo surgery for a perforated eardrum. Following surgery, she was experiencing significant weakness in the left side of her face, which then deteriorated further. She was struggling to eat and drink due to the weakness in the muscles around her mouth, and her left eye was partially closed. She was also suffering from muscle spasms. She was diagnosed with a facial palsy which has since improved to some extent, but she still suffers from residual symptoms of weakness and spasms, which will remain permanent.
Rachel instructed Sarah Ratcliffe, of Pryers Solicitors to investigate what happened during the surgery, and to see whether her injuries were caused by negligence. We obtained expert evidence which indicated that the surgery to her ear was performed negligently, and her facial nerve had been damaged, which had caused the weakness and spasms.
Although Rachel’s symptoms had improved, she continued to suffer from sporadic closing of her left eye, and muscle spasms in her cheek and around her mouth, which caused her difficulty when eating and drinking. She was very embarrassed by these symptoms, which restricted her enjoyment and wishes to maintain a social life. These symptoms are permanent.
These allegations were put to the Defendant Trust, who admitted negligence. After significant discussions with the Defendant regarding the value of Rachel’s case, it settled for £23,000.
