Medical Negligence Claims

Medical Negligence claims for Laparoscopy – Keyhole Surgery

Laparoscopic surgery, also called keyhole surgery, is a modern surgical technique in which operations in the abdomen are performed through small incisions in the body instead of the larger incisions needed in traditional surgical procedures. It has many benefits over traditional surgery when conducted successfully, including reduced recovery time and reduced pain and suffering for the patient.

Laparoscopy is performed using minute surgical tools which are inserted into the body along with a miniature camera which is used to guide the tools to the operation site.

Injuries caused during laparoscopic surgery are one of the most common types of medical negligence compensation claims made in the UK today. This is partly due to the commonplace nature of the procedure and partly due to the ‘blind’ entry into the body which is required at the start of the laparoscopy.

Once the camera is inserted into the body the surgeon has feedback and can see what he is doing, using the pictures to navigate through the body. Unfortunately most injuries occur at the point of entry into the body where an error in judgement can cause damage to the patient. Claims may also arise due to damage caused by surgical instruments to various part of the anatomy including: vital organs, the bowel, bladder or blood vessels.

If the surgeon fails to follow best practice and accepted laparoscopic surgery protocols, and injury is caused, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation.

What can I claim?

The value of your claim will depend on a number of factors including:

• The nature of the injury or illness
• Whether you recover fully from the injury or illness or if it has a long term effect on your health and wellbeing
• The amount of any losses you incur as a result of the injury

You can claim compensation for the following things if they are a result of your injury:

• Pain, suffering and loss of amenity
• Loss of earnings
• Medical and nursing care costs
• Special equipment needed to carry out daily activities and any costs involved in adapting your home
• Other expenses incurred as a result of your injury, for example, travel expenses incurred whilst receiving medical treatment.

Contact us to speak to one of our specialist lawyers in total confidence and they will discuss the details of your claim.