Securing compensation after mistakes made during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Juanita Cumberland, specialist clinical negligence lawyer, successfully obtained a £275,000 settlement for a claimant who suffered injury during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy at Queen’s Hospital, Romford, Essex.

The claimant, in her 30s, was married with a young child. After suffering gallbladder problems for several years she was advised to undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery to remove her gall bladder. During the surgery the claimant’s bile duct was damaged causing her serious injury. The claimant had to spend three weeks in hospital. Later that year she had to undergo major reconstructive surgery following by more operations. The claimant regularly experienced episodes of abdominal pain, back pain, nausea and vomiting. She had to be admitted to hospital on a number of occasions due to her bile duct becoming inflamed and had to go to A & E for assessment many times. It was extremely difficult for her to plan for the future because her condition was so unpredictable.

After commencing court proceedings and sending a Letter of Claim the defendant admitted that due to avoidable mistakes made during the laparoscopic cholecystectomy the claimant’s bile duct had been severed. The defendant also admitted that after the bile duct injury had occurred they failed to convert the keyhole surgery to an open procedure. The claimant should have made been able to return to normal life quickly after the operation. Instead she suffered years of horrible medical problems and hospital admissions.

Speaking about the support she received from Thomson Snell & Passmore, the claimant said: “You have been very supportive and helpful throughout this process Juanita.
I really appreciate your hard work and professional approach. Thank you very much Juanita.”

Juanita Cumberland specialises in clinical negligence cases. If you would like to ask Juanita a question about a potential case, or if you have a general query about any personal injury, contact her at Thomson Snell & Passmore solicitors on 01892 701380 in confidence. We offer no win no fee agreements on the vast majority of our clinical negligence and personal injury cases.