This followed the failure to remove all sutures after a caesarean that subsequently caused a serious infection.

Catherine Pinnegar has successfully concluded a clinical negligence claim on behalf of a lady you gave birth to her fourth via a c-section. During routine follow-up the treating midwives failed to ensure that all of the sutures were removed.

Several months later, the Claimant developed a serious infection, necrotising fasciitis, when she presented to hospital with the infection she was allowed to go home rather than being admitted. This resulted in an emergency situation and the Claimant had to undergo a number of surgeries to debride the infection.

This claim therefore centred around two alleged breaches of duty, the first was the failure to remove all sutures and the second was failure to identify the very serious infection that the Claimant presented with.

The Claimant has had to endure years of pain following the procedures and has been left with significant scarring as a result of the negligence. Not only has the Claimant been physically injured but she has also been affected psychologically. Due to the surgeries and the pain endured, she was unable to care for her baby as required and this significantly affected her mental health.

The hospital trust admitted breach of duty but denied that the retained suture caused the subsequent infection. Despite this, Catherine managed to secure a significant settlement figure at a recent mediation bringing the claim to a successful conclusion.

Catherine Pinnegar said “I was delighted to reach a settlement for this lovely lady who had endured a truly difficult few years as a result of the medical negligence.

The Claimant said “Catherine has been so great throughout this whole process, always there to answer any questions even if they sounded silly to me. Catherine is very helpful, patient and kind while helping me and my family while the process has been underway, always there to answer questions and reassure me. She kept in touch every step of the way, thank you so much for everything you have done to resolve this and help us move on”.

Speak to Catherine Pinnegar

Catherine is a Associate Solicitor at Wollens and can advise you. Contact Catherine via email catherine.pinnegar@wollens.co.uk or call 01803 225112.

Catherine Pinnegar - Wollens Solicitors Devon

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