£75,000 Settlement
Paula underwent a hip replacement in July 2013. This involved the insertion of a ceramic cup to the hip socket. Following surgery, x-rays showed that there was a fracture in the cup, but Paula was discharged anyway.
In August, a decision was taken to readmit Paula to hospital for revision of the hip replacement. The cup was removed and replaced. Unfortunately, Paula developed an infection in the hip and had to undergo further procedures including debridement of the hip, an operation to remove infected tissue and fluid.
Paula instructed Pryers to investigate whether her treatment with regards the ceramic cup was negligent. Expert evidence was obtained which concluded that the cup was not fitted in an acceptable position, and this on balance had caused the fracture to the cup. The expert also concluded that Paula should not have been discharged with a fractured cup and that this was the cause of her problems. It also concluded that due to the negligence, she was now in a permanent state of disability, and she would require further revision surgery in future.
Allegations were put to the hospital Trust that the ceramic cup had been inserted in an unacceptable position and that the surgeon had failed to appreciate the significance of the fracture to the cup, and was negligent in discharging Paula. As a result, Paula had to undergo otherwise unnecessary revision surgery and was left with ongoing permanent symptoms. The Trust admitted negligence in full, and following negotiations, Paula was pleased to settle her case for £75,000.
