THE TYPE OF CASE WE DO

Aged 32 F who had a history of back paid developed back pain radiating to her knee. She was prescribed pain killers however her condition continued to deteriorate with her suffering pins and needles in her thigh leg and foot.

F had also not been able to pass stool for three days and had difficulty in passing water.

F was admitted to hospital. She had not passed stool for three days and had difficulty passing water.

F was listed for MRI scan. However over the 24 hours before the MRI was performed F lost more sensation in her legs, became unable to empty her bladder and developed peri anal numbness. MRI scan demonstrated disc prolapse at L5/S1.

F underwent spinal decompression however suffers from permanent incontinence of urine and faeces, loss of sexual sensation, back and leg pain, together with impaired mobility.

It was F's case that an MRI scan should have been carried out promptly following admission to hospital, that her condition should have been monitored closely after admission.

It was F's case that prompt investigation by MRI would have led to diagnosis of disc prolapse and earlier surgery. That earlier surgery would have allowed some recovery of function such that F would have regained continence and sexual feeling. F would have suffered ongoing back pain and impaired mobility even had surgery taken place sooner.

Liability was disputed and the case settled without trial for £300,000