Anaesthetic problems
Anaesthetic awareness is the term used to describe the horrific sensation experienced when a patient has not been given enough general anaesthetic and they become aware of events during surgery but cannot communicate this to operating staff. This may not be life-threatening but can cause extreme psychological trauma. In severe cases of anaesthetic clinical negligence, patients can suffer from brain injury, paralysis, or even death as a result of inappropriate anaesthetic care.
Here are some examples of our settled and current Anaesthetic claims:
Substandard anaesthetic care during surgery
Hay & Kilner successfully settled a claim for £675,000 on behalf of a client who had received allegedly substandard care from an anaesthetist during surgery. Our client suffered ventilatory problems whilst under anaesthetic. These were not addressed by the anaesthetist and as a result, our client sustained oxygen deprivation causing cerebral damage, loss of sight and upper limb rigidity. Because of the devastating injuries suffered by our client, he will require extra daily assistance and rehabilitation therapy for the remainder of his life.
Failure to provide adequate anaesthetic during the course of surgery
Hay & Kilner are investigating a claim in which it is alleged that the hospital failed to provide our client with adequate anaesthetic during the course of surgery. It was argued that not only did the anaesthetist fail to provide sufficient anaesthetic agent, but failed to ensure that the audible alarm was switched on, which would have alerted them to the fact that the anaesthetic concentration was low. As a consequence of this failure, our client experienced a period of awareness and pain during his operation, and suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder.
For further information, please contact Clare Thompson on 0192 232 8345 or emailclare.thompson@hay-kilner.co.uk
Hay & Kilner has an ‘excellent grasp of clinical negligence law and an excellent manner with clients’, and recently settled several high-value claims including a sub-standard knee surgery case and a meningitis case. It also secured a £70,000 award in a dental claim. Clients rate Clare Thompson, Helen Morland and the ‘hugely experienced’ David Bradshaw. The firm has a multi-party action franchise.
Legal 500
Hay & Kilner's ‘efficient, knowledgeable and conscientious' clinical negligence practice settled a substantial number of cerebral palsy claims with a combined value of £20m over the course of 2009, and was retained on the Spinal Injury Panel. ‘Experienced' partner David Bradshaw and the ‘methodical, bright' Clare Thompson are both recommended.
Legal 500
