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Seven-Figure Damages for Heart Surgery Complications Victim

Even the most competently performed surgery may result in complications and, if the worst happens, you should contact a solicitor straight away. In a case on point, a grandfather who sustained devastating brain damage in the wake of a successful heart operation received damages of more than £2 million.

The man was in his 50s when he underwent aortic valve and root replacement surgery at a private hospital. There was no dispute that the operation was carried out with all due care and skill. However, he later developed a well-known complication called cardiac tamponade and suffered a cardiac arrest before the condition was diagnosed and addressed.

He sustained permanent neurological damage after being deprived of oxygen for 14 minutes. Cared for in a nursing home, he has little useful speech or independent mobility and requires round-the-clock care. His life expectancy is much reduced and his family are keen for him to spend the time remaining to him in a different nursing home where he would receive a greater level of one-to-one care. The cost of that placement exceeded £3,000 a week.

After clinical negligence proceedings were launched on his behalf, judgment was entered against the hospital's operator, together with the surgeon and anaesthetist who treated him. Negotiations yielded a final settlement of his claim for a lump sum of £2,050,000. The High Court had no hesitation in approving the settlement, which will ensure that he is looked after for the rest of his life in accordance with his family's wishes.

The contents of this article are intended for general information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be, or constitute legal advice. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of this article.