Hospital Compensation Payout For Leg Amputee Victim

The family of a man who had to have his leg amputated after surgery went wrong have been awarded damages three years after his death.

However, despite the settlement, relatives of David Ballantine say they have still not received an apology.

Mr Ballantine, of Ramsey, Cambridgeshire, died in 2012 just three months after he underwent a routine vascular operation to increase blood flow in his right leg.

During surgery the wire and balloon, which are passed through an artery, became trapped and coiled.

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Mistakes during vascular surgery caused large blood clot

The damage caused a large blood clot, which cut off the circulation.

As a result the 70-year-old had to undergo an amputation of his right leg, which was initially below the knee, but which then had to be extended above the knee.

Laura Ballantine, his daughter, said: “From the minute the procedure took place, my father knew something had gone wrong.”

“I rushed back from London to see him at the hospital, only to be met by medical staff with concerned expressions and nobody really explaining what had happened. My Father was in extreme agony.”

Before his death, Mr Ballentine started legal action against the hospital over the incident, which his family then took over on his behalf.

Ms Ballantine added: “I hope that this kind of incident and level of care does not happen to others. It is a shame that there are amazing staff in the hospital. The whole situation is heartbreaking and I have no faith left in the hospital.”

A five figure sum of compensation has now been paid to the family in an out-of-court settlement.

A spokesman for Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust said: “We would like to pass on our condolences and sympathy to the family of Mr Ballantine following his death in June 2012. We are pleased that we have been able to reach an agreement with his family.”

Vascular surgery

Vascular surgery is a surgical specialty in which diseases of the vascular system, or arteries and veins, are managed by medical therapy, minimally-invasive catheter procedures, and surgical reconstruction. The specialty evolved from general and cardiac surgery as well as minimally invasive techniques pioneered by interventional radiology. The vascular surgeon is trained in the diagnosis and management of diseases affecting all parts of the vascular system except those of the heart and brain. Cardiothoracic surgeons and interventional cardiologists manage disease of vessels of the heart. Neurosurgeons and interventional neuroradiologists manage surgical disease of the vessels in the brain.

Compensation for surgical errors and negligence

Our goal at IBB Solicitors is to obtain justice and compensation for patients who have received negligent treatment from their surgeon, GP, nurse, dentist or other health care specialist.

If you believe that you have suffered harm as a result of a delayed or misdiagnosis, or from negligent treatment, please contact our medical negligence solicitors today. We offer a No-Win No-Fee Agreement so there is no financial risk involved if you are not successful. To discuss your case or to make an appointment please contact us on 01895 207835 or 01895 207295. Alternatively, please email us at PI@ibblaw.co.uk or complete our online form.

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