THE TYPE OF CASE WE DO

Aged 53 Mrs H underwent routine laparoscopic removal of her gall bladder.

During the surgery her bile duct was severed. 

There was then a delay in identifying the injury during which further damage to the bile duct occurred due to the free passage of bile into the periotoneal cavity.

The damage during delay was important as this made management and repair of the injury significantly more difficult.

The bile duct had eroded such that it did not protrude beyond the liver.

Mrs H required reconstructive surgery, repeat biliary dilatation, suffered from repeat infections and was unable to return to her previous work.

Mrs H was likely to require liver transplant within five years of her injury due to the damage to her bile duct.

After initially denying responsibility liability was admitted during the course of legal proceedings.

Compensation was agreed at £200,000