Case study: settlement for nerve damage caused by surgery

Nerve damage can occur for a number of reasons, including medical negligence. If your nerve injury has occurred because of sub-standard care, you may be able to make a compensation claim for nerve damage.

Our nervous system is incredibly fragile. Nerves carry commands from our brain to the various parts of our body, but if a nerve is damaged, it can lead to ongoing pain and numbness. In more serious cases, nerve damage can result in significant disability as a result of paralysis or reduced mobility.

Whilst serious nerve injuries are relatively rare, if you’ve been affected, it’s important that you speak to a specialist medical negligence solicitor. Our experienced team have dealt with claims involving nerves that have been trapped or severed during surgery, as demonstrated by this case study.

Case study: nerve damage after hernia repair surgery

Our client, Mr C, had surgery to repair an inguinal hernia. During the operation, the surgeon noted and removed a small hernia sac with a large lipoma. Mr C was in considerable pain after the operation so was kept in hospital overnight. He was then discharged with prescription painkillers.

Mr C continued to suffer with persistent pain in his groin which got worse over the following months. He returned to the hospital the following year for a laparoscopic exploration of the groin. However, his symptoms didn’t improve and he was referred for a pain management assessment.

A further 10 months passed before Mr C was assessed in the pain clinic. He was advised that his pain was likely due to a nerve injury caused during his hernia repair surgery. He had a nerve block injection but the effects of it were short-lived and he continued to suffer with persistent and severe pain.

Our medical negligence solicitors obtained a report on Mr C’s prognosis and our expert advised us that Mr C’s condition was permanent, with no prospect of improvement. His continued groin pain limited his mobility and his ability to perform the normal activities of daily life. He was also no longer able to continue his hobbies and was forced to reduce his working hours.

The defendant hospital disputed liability. However, despite this, the claim for nerve damage went on to settle out of court for £120,000.

Further information on claims for nerve damage

If you’re looking for advice on making a nerve damage claim, or if you’d like to speak to a medical negligence solicitor about a nerve injury you’ve sustained, we may be able to help.

Call us on 0117 325 2929 or complete our online enquiry form to speak to a medical negligence legal specialist.