£750,000 settlement after negligent knee replacement surgery
Tees secured a £750,000 settlement for a client whose knee replacement surgery was performed negligently.
Our client [E] had total knee replacement (TKR) surgery in March 2011. Unfortunately, surgical error resulted in his knee and foot becoming misaligned. As a result of the surgery, E could turn his right foot 180-degrees so that it pointed directly behind him. To correct the malrotation, E went through two painful revision knee replacement operations. He now suffers from chronic pain in his back and leg, and cannot walk long distances. The pain left him unable to work, and he retired from a much-loved career operating military drones.
E contacted Tees Law about making a claim against the NHS Trust responsible for his knee surgery. Our expert team of Medical Negligence solicitors took his case on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis.
Between 2012 and 2016, our team reviewed E's medical records, obtained evidence from an expert Orthopaedic Surgeon and obtained drafted various witness statements from E's friends and family to support his claim. The Trust declined to send any statements or expert evidence in return, and refused to admit responsibility for E's injuries until April 2016. Even after admitting responsibility, the Trust continued to dispute the value of the claim. In September 2016, just two weeks before trial, the Trust accepted our settlement offer.
The settlement will allow E to buy and adapt a bungalow. Due to the chronic pain in his leg, it is difficult for him to climb stairs and we are confident that the move to a single-storey property will have a very positive impact on E's quality of life. Our specialist financial advisers provided E with independent financial advice, to ensure that the substantial settlement will continue to support him.
“This was hard fought and complex litigation in which the Trust accepted responsibility for the damage extremely late,” says the Tees lawyer in charge of the case. “In the end, the defence proved to be without foundation and I was delighted that E received full compensation for his injuries with the opportunity to come back to court if he requires further surgery such as an amputation or fusion in the future.”
“We can’t thank you enough for your efforts in this marathon operation. The meeting went very well with financial adviser Neil Matten and we want to pursue some of the suggestions proposed so we are going to be with Tees for some time to come,” said E, following the news that the settlement was accepted.
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Anonymous
Cambridge
'I am very grateful to Tim not least because I feel vindicated in bringing a case of medical negligence against my defendants. I now know that my care was more substandard than I previously had realised. Clearly, I am also relieved to be awarded the means to provide for my future care needs'
Anonymous
Cambridge
'I found Tim to be very kind, empathetic, unflappable, thorough, proactive and a good communicator. He guided and supported me through this not so pleasant journey, making it as bearable as possible'
Anonymous
Cambridge
'I approached Tim with a certain issue, but with careful probing, it became clear that I had more than one grievance'
Mr T
Cambridge
'From initial contact through to settlement, the Tees Law team in Cambridge provided a professional and compassionate service. I was ably guided and provided with timely well considered advice that has ultimately led to a settlement in line with my expectations – thank you Sophie Stuart and Tim Deeming'
Legal 500 UK 2023
'Tim Deeming was the partner we dealt with, and he was always available to answer any questions or issues we had. He guided us through the minefield of two inquests, mediation, and always with a sensitive approach to our feelings. He was outstanding in his advice and also realistic which was very important as to the expectations of the legal process. Finally he was encouraging when we had to give evidence and was always on hand to help with statements and any evidence we needed to provide'
Legal 500 UK 2021
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Legal 500 UK 2021
"Tim Deeming has been outstanding for me. This has been a very personal, emotional and challenging event for me. I know that Tees are a business, but I’ve only ever felt like an individual; one who matters, one who deserves fair treatment."
Mr and Mrs Robin Lincoln
Bishop's Stortford
Tim Deeming took me through the settlement process step by step and was a master tactician in the final negotiation, who I was proud to have represent me. Katheryn Riggs gave me all the support to file the claim. Tees draw on their vast experience to bring the very best medical experts to the table.