Our client, Mr DR, initially contacted us asking whether we would take on his claim which had been rejected by a large London law firm. On reviewing his medical records, Sue Man agreed there was enough evidence to investigate his claim under a ‘no win no fee’ agreement.
The claim concerned the negligent delay in diagnosing and treating compartment syndrome following surgery for an ankle fracture. As a result of the delay, Mr DR developed foot drop which required further surgery, ongoing pain, muscle fatigue, ankle stiffness and altered sensation around his lower leg and foot.
Once the claim was submitted to the NHS, the hospital Trust admitted there was a negligent delay in identifying and treating compartment syndrome, but they denied there were any lasting effects from the admitted negligence. In particular, they noted that the client had injured his ankle approximately two years previously when he slipped at work. The defendant alleged that even if our client had not been subjected to medical negligence, he would still be suffering with ongoing problems with his ankle either as a result of the ankle fracture (which was nonnegligent) or from when he previously slipped at work.
A settlement meeting was arranged with the opponent’s legal team after the parties exchanged experts’ reports. Following lengthy and at times heated discussions with the opponent, our client’s claim was finally resolved in his favour.
The client’s comments were: “Excellent service. From the beginning of my journey with Girlings and Sue, it has been nothing but open, friendly and informative. Every step of the way, Sue went out of her way to help or give me advice. I cannot thank her enough for her hard work on my case.”