Compensation obtained for leg injury caused by nurse

05/07/2011

This case study demonstrates the expertise of our Clinical Negligence team who recovered £7,500 in compensation for an elderly lady who suffered injury as a result of a nurse stepping on her leg with the heel of her shoe.

The claimant was an independent 97 year old when she fell and injured her wrist. She was admitted to the Good Hope Hospital, West Midlands with an open fracture of the left distal radius. Her fracture was treated by manipulation, plastering and antibiotics.

The claimant developed diarrhoea and confusion as a side effect of the antibiotics. She was transferred to an isolation room. A few days later, she was moved to a different ward and started physiotherapy. Following this, plans began to discharge her home with support. 

Before she could be discharged there was an incident on the ward where one of the nurses was attending to a patient in the neighbouring bed and stepped back past the curtain and stood on the claimant's right leg with the heel of her shoe. 

She sustained a seriously bruised right leg and a haematoma formed. The haematoma increased in size and required surgical drainage. Her surgery was cancelled twice in a row, leaving her nil by mouth for three days. She finally underwent surgery to drain the haematoma but continued to be in considerable pain and developed severe blistering.

She was discharged to a care home a week later. The care home staff were so concerned with the state of her legs that they took her to the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading and she was admitted. She remained in Royal Berkshire Hospital for approximately two weeks before returning to the care home where she continues to reside.   

The claimant remained in hospital for a considerable time due to an injury wholly unrelated to her broken wrist. Although it was accepted that the claimant was likely to have needed residential care in any event, her independence and health were affected as a result of the injury.

Settlement was negotiated with the NHSLA in the sum of £7,500.

Read more about our experience in cases involving orthopaedic injury.

Jennifer Waight specialises in clinical negligence cases. If you would like to ask Jennifer a question about a potential case or you have a general query about medical negligence, contact her on 01892 701374 in confidence.

We have one of the largest and most experienced specialist medical negligence teams in Southern England including London. Our team of highly experienced lawyers has the depth and range of expertise essential in this sensitive and often complex area of law. Our clinical negligence team is very proud to be ranked Number 1 in both the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners UK.