Nottingham Hospital Pays Medical Negligence Compensation After Baby Operation ‘Error’

A woman who was left with cerebral palsy after alleged medical mistakes when she was a baby has received a six figure medical negligence compensation payout.

Stacy Jayne Smith, now 24, attended Nottingham City Hospital in 1988 to undergo an operation to remove her gall bladder. During the procedure her heart stopped beating and she suffered brain damage as a result; leaving her with severe learning difficulties.

Miss Smith was born with a congenital condition and attended hospital after suffering from a high temperature and poor feeding. Doctors at the hospital suspected gallstones and began an operation to remove her gall bladder.

Miss Smith’s legal team told London’s High Court that medical staff had acted negligently when carrying out the operation; causing her to go into cardiac arrest after puncturing her bowel. Miss Smith was resuscitated but suffered permenant brain damage, has cerebral palsy and experiences problems walking long distances.

Medical Negligence Compensation Paid On Basis Of 70% Liability

The East Midlands Strategic Health Authority (EMSHA) stated that a letter of apology has been sent to Miss Smith and her family with an undisclosed amount of compensation paid on the basis of 70% liability.

When approving the settlement at London’s High Court, Mr Justice Tugendhat said: “I do express my sympathy to Stacey’s family and wish them all the best for the future. Stacey has been very fortunate in the support her family has given her, so lovingly, for so long.”

Speaking after the hearing, Bruce Williams, the solicitor for Miss Smith, said that for many years the family had got on with looking after their daughter on their own, not even realised that they had a case against the NHS.

He added: “This is one of those cases which would never have started were it not for the public funding, and which might never have happened under current cuts to legal aid.”

Speak To A Specialist Solicitor About A Claim For Medical Negligence Compensation

If you believe that you or a loved one has received treatment that has caused you pain, further suffering or simply delayed your recovery time, then you may be entitled to claim medical negligence compensation.

Speak to Laura on our first response team to discuss your potential claim for compensation

Speak to a specialist medical negligence solicitor today to discover if you are able to make a claim for medical negligence compensation. We can provide confidential advice about your potential claim on a free, no obligation basis.

To speak to a member of our team today call 0800 0193 515. Alternatively fill out the claim form on this page and a member of our team will call you back at a time to suit you.