AS v Dr MD
AS is a classroom assistant in a school for children with special needs. She developed arthritis in her trapezium bone in the wrist. Dr MD recommended that this should be removed, however the operation was negligently performed, leaving the great majority of the trapezium behind. The operation was performed privately.
AS had to undergo a second operation to remove the trapezium, which was performed by another doctor, again on a private basis. Unfortunately, although this operation was properly performed she developed a neuroma, causing her chronic neuralgic pain. This was a known complication of surgery, which would not have occurred, but for the second operation.
She is now hampered in many day to day tasks. She has had to reduce her hours at work, despite her employers making adjustments for her disability. She needs help with housework and she cannot enjoy her previous hobbies of gardening, sewing and letter writing.
The claim was for general damages, loss of earnings, pension loss, aids and equipment (including an automatic car with power steering) and care. It also included a subrogated claim for her medical expenses including physiotherapy.
The matter settled before issue of proceedings, for £70,000.00. Of that, approximately £10,000.00 was for AS' pain and suffering.