Compensation for patients death after surgical error

Digby Brown secured £340,000 in compensation when a woman in her 70s died after a surgeon opened the wrong side of her skull to remove a benign brain tumour.
Mrs P’s husband approached Digby Brown to investigate a clinical negligence claim against the health board.
Our specialist lawyer Joanne Gosney worked diligently alongside the family and drafted in medical experts to prove the health board contributed to the death of Mrs P due to surgical errors.
A robust and thorough investigation found that during pre-operation procedures the surgeon correctly noted the tumour was on the left side of Mrs P’s head.
However, when she was positioned on the operating table they turned her head to the right and carried out a craniotomy – a process where a piece of skull bone is removed to access the brain.
It was only after the surgeon couldn’t find a tumour that the surgical team realised they explored the wrong side of Mrs P’s skull.
The surgical team closed the craniotomy and repositioned Mrs P’s head to the left for the same procedure – this time removing the tumour.
However while recovering in an intensive therapy unit, Mrs P died a few weeks later from bacterial meningitis.
A medical expert ruled Mrs P had a blood clot on the right of her brain which would not exist if medics had performed the right operation in the first place.
Digby Brown raised the action in court for surgical negligence and went on to secure compensation of £340,000 for Mrs P’s husband and family.
What our clients say about us
We put our clients at the centre of everything we do and are committed to providing the very best service. The hundreds of five star reviews we have received on Trustpilot is a reflection of this approach.

Thinking of making a claim?
Digby Brown's highly trained and experienced team will give you all the support you need.

How your case is funded
Don't be worried about the cost of legal advice. We will fully explain how your claim will be funded.

Frequently asked questions
Digby Brown are here to help. Here are some answers to some of your frequently asked questions.
0333 200 5926
Monday to Friday: 8am - 7pm
Saturday and Sunday: 12pm - 4pm
(Please note, local rate, even from mobile)
Email enquiry form
Complete our enquiry form and we will strive to reply within 24 hours