The Incident
At the time of the incident, our client, a 52-year-old self-employed builder, sustained a severe injury to his right hand while using an electric chop saw. He immediately sought medical attention at the Emergency Department of Southport Hospital, where the wound was described as large, deep, and of partial thickness. However, photographs of the injury taken by our client revealed it to be a full-thickness wound.
The wound was initially closed using glue and steristrips, and our client was discharged with instructions to return in three days for a wound review. Over the following week, he attended three follow-up appointments. At the final review, the wound was noted to have deteriorated significantly, and he experienced difficulty extending his finger, suggesting tendon damage. He was advised to return to the hospital for further assessment.
At this point, our client was referred to the plastic surgery team at Whiston Hospital. The following day, he attended his first appointment at Whiston and was scheduled for hand exploration and a delayed repair of the extensor tendon. This surgery, though necessary, was performed later than it should have been.
Unfortunately, the complications did not end there. Over the subsequent days, the wound broke down, and the exposed tendon required further medical intervention. Our client underwent additional procedures, including an examination under anaesthesia (EUA), wound washout, and debridement, followed by a local flap reconstruction to close the wound. However, complications arose again when the tip of the flap became necrotic, leading to further wound breakdown. This required two additional debridement surgeries.
After the surgeries, our client embarked on an intensive hand therapy program that lasted 10 months. While this therapy helped improve his condition to some degree, he was left with long-term limitations in the use of his right hand.
The Injuries and Impact on Our Client’s Life
Despite undergoing multiple surgeries and months of therapy, our client has been left with permanent impairments in his right hand. These include:
- Ulnar drift (swelling of the knuckles) in his index and middle fingers.
- Reduced sensation in the dorsal flap.
- Persistent stiffness and significantly reduced grip strength.
The impact on his life has been profound. Before the incident, he was not only a hardworking builder but also a passionate musician. He loved playing the piano and had an extensive guitar collection, which he took great pride in. Unfortunately, the injuries to his hand have made it incredibly difficult for him to continue enjoying these hobbies.
In addition to the emotional toll of losing his ability to play music, our client has faced financial uncertainty. The physical nature of his work as a builder is no longer feasible, forcing him to explore alternative means of earning an income.
The Case
After the incident, our client turned to Patient Claim Line for help. Solicitors Chris Marsden and Darren Tamplin-Compton managed his case, bringing extensive experience in handling medical negligence claims to the table.
During the investigation, an independent hand surgery expert assessed the circumstances and confirmed that earlier intervention could have prevented much of the damage. If the medical staff had acted promptly, performing a washout and debridement shortly after the initial injury, the wound would have healed uneventfully. He would have avoided multiple surgeries, long-term complications, and an extended recovery period. This expert opinion confirmed that medical negligence had occurred.
The Outcome
Thanks to the meticulous work of Chris and Darren, the defendant admitted liability for the delays and errors in treatment. A settlement of £28,500 was secured, providing our client with some degree of financial security during this challenging time.
Before the incident, our client was proud of his physically demanding work and cherished his musical hobbies. While no compensation can restore his hand to its former condition, the settlement has offered peace of mind. It has helped him cover household expenses and maintain financial stability after being unable to return to his previous role.
This case highlights the devastating impact that medical negligence can have on an individual’s life, from physical limitations to emotional and financial strain. Our client’s resilience throughout this process has been remarkable, and we are proud to have helped him secure the compensation he deserved.