Caroline Webber-Brown settles a rectopexy mesh claim for a seven-figure sum.
In this case study we look at a successful rectopexy mesh claim in which medical negligence partner, Caroline Webber-Brown, successfully recovered a seven-figure sum of compensation for a woman who sustained catastrophic injuries following a rectopexy mesh procedure performed by Mr Dixon at North Bristol Hospital.
Events surrounding the rectopexy mesh surgery
Our client had a history of constipation and bloating which had been managed with suppositories. She sought advice to improve this and consulted with Mr Dixon. He recommended surgery, failing to advise her on the range of conservative, less invasive treatments available to her. The recommended surgery was extensive and carried significant risks for which our client’s informed consent was not obtained.
Mr Dixon subsequently carried out a laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy (LVMR), sacrocolpopexy and colporrhaphy surgeries without our client’s informed consent. Our client’s health deteriorated significantly following the surgeries. She developed a chronic evacuation problem and mesh erosion, suffering constant pain, PTSD and depression.
The rectopexy mesh claim
Caroline Webber-Brown, who is a partner specialising in rectopexy mesh claims, was asked to take over the case from another firm of solicitors. Caroline took the case on and instructed specialist medical experts who have detailed knowledge of this surgery to comment on the treatment that had been provided. A number of additional experts were later instructed to comment on our client’s other injuries, including pain management, psychiatric, urogynecology along with employment and accountancy experts.
Caroline provided the hospital’s lawyers with evidence in support of our client’s claim, and they admitted liability, accepting that our client should have been provided non-surgical treatment options instead of the rectopexy. It is likely that if our client had received alternative treatment then she would have obtained an improvement in her symptoms without requiring the rectopexy procedure and all the further procedures she received after this, including the need for daily rectal irrigation and risk of a colostomy in the future.
The claim was complex due to there being eight experts being instructed. The expert evidence included an accommodation expert to ensure all her financial losses and needs were considered.
Following the early disclosure of our expert evidence, Caroline arranged a settlement meeting. This resulted in the claim being settled out of court for a seven-figure sum which will assist our client to rebuild her life.
Our client’s review of the legal service she received.
“Caroline has been incredibly supportive, clear and communicative throughout our working together. She provided thorough explanation and direction throughout the claim process. She understands the complications and issues for those affected by Mesh complications and I am very pleased to have had her leading my claim to a successful outcome.”
How we can help you
If you are considering a rectopexy mesh surgery claim, please contact Caroline to discuss your case free of charge. Call us on freephone 0333 888 0404 or email brief details of your case to [email protected]
