Failure to take appropriate action caused loss of sensation and movement to legs

Digby Brown's medical negligence solicitors helped Mrs K secure compensation after medical negligence from anaesthetist treating her at hospital.

How medical negligence occurred

Mrs K. was admitted to hospital to undergo haemorrhoidectomy under general anaesthetic.

Her anaesthetic risk was graded as ASA4 (which is appropriate for a patient with severe systemic disease that is a constant threat to life). Mrs K’s symptoms and medical history, which included hypotension, meant that she was at a high risk of spinal cord ischaemia.

Following the surgery, Mrs K was not responding to analgesia.

A caudal epidural block was administered, at which time Mrs K suffered significant hypotension and lapsed into unconsciousness.

Respiratory depression was recorded.

Impact of medical negligence on Mrs K

The ongoing hypotension led to spinal cord ischaemia which left Mrs K with a loss of sensation and movement in her legs.

Medical negligence claim against health board

Digby Brown's clinical negligence solicitors raised a court action against the anaesthetist treating Mrs K for failure to take appropriate action in anticipation of and in response to her hypotension.

Digby Brown's solicitors successfully settled the case against the Health Board.