Several missed opportunities led to extensive complications for our client Libby who has scoliosis.
Diagnosis of Scoliosis:
When Libby was a teenager, she was diagnosed with scoliosis after her mother noticed a lump on her spine. Doctors recommended surgery to correct the curvature of her spine, stating it was the only path to recovery. Initially, the surgery appeared hopeful, with medical professionals confirming its success. However, shortly after, Libby began experiencing severe discomfort despite pain relief measures.
Despite these challenges, she tried to return to school but continued to struggle with pain and muscle spasms while trying to adapt to life post-surgery. Unfortunately, her pain levels made this difficult and she eventually had to be home schooled. Nearly 1 year post-surgery, she was re-admitted to the hospital, where an x-ray revealed that some of the metalwork at the base of her spine had become dislodged, requiring further corrective surgery.
Problems following Second Spinal Surgery:
Following this second surgery, Libby’s mental health deteriorated as her recovery was much slower due to limited mobility. She also began experiencing regular blackouts and intense spasms, which doctors were unable to explain, often leading to serious injuries. Unfortunately, this was brushed off as a pain management problem and it was not considered that the metalwork in her spine could be the cause of her problems.
Over the next couple of years, her mental health continued to decline; nevertheless, she remained determined to improve her physical abilities and attended inpatient therapy sessions, all throughout being assured by her doctors that the metal work in her spine was absolutely not the cause of her problems . Her mother had to reduce her working hours to ensure she was always on hand to care for Libby.
Third Surgery:
Now an adult, Libby sought help again due to ongoing discomfort and returned to the hospital for a CT scan. The results indicated that the metalwork had been misplaced since the original scoliosis surgery and that several screws used in the original operation were actually invading her spinal canal, requiring yet another surgery to correct the issue. Libby and her family were understandably upset, having raised this concern numerous times over the years.
After this third surgery, Libby’s recovery was significantly improved, and she was discharged just five days later. Despite this positive development, she continues to face mental health challenges and has embarked on a long journey of recovery.
Changing Lives:
When Libby approached us, she was only a few weeks post-surgery. We were able to assist her in preparing a letter of complaint to the Trust, which resulted in a full investigation where it was found that the misplaced metalwork could have been detected earlier and liability was admitted in full.
If you have experienced similar complications surrounding surgical failures, get in touch today to find out how our team of specialist lawyers can help you get the compensation you deserve.
