Ms. Lauren Thompson has completed her Modern Apprenticeship at Applebys Solicitors in Bradford in conjunction with BPP Law School in Leeds. She has obtained a Certificate in Advanced Legal Practice. She is seen here with her colleagues in the Clinical Law Department being presented her award by Senior Solicitor Mr Graham Balmforth.
The Convicted Surgeon – Mr Ian Paterson
CAN HE BE SUED?
Yes, in fact at Applebys we have been pursuing actions against Mr Paterson for some time, long before his conviction and sentence. Paterson worked throughout the east and west midlands from the mid 1990’s and he has left behind him a trail of operations that could easily be described as sub-standard and in common parlance might be referred to as “botched”. In the earlier years of his career his practice was NHS based but increasingly his work was of a private nature. In either case there is clearly indemnity in place for his actions and his victims can rest assured that if they do have a case of negligence against him, a civil action can be pursued.
WHAT DID HE DO WRONG?
Paterson, essentially had 3 different negligent approaches, firstly he misdiagnosed, either patients who had no breast cancer or malignancy were diagnosed as having operable conditions. Secondly, patients with operable conditions were given a false “all clear”. Finally many patients who had operable conditions found those operations to be sub standard. It should be stated for the sake of completeness that not every patient he treated was “mistreated”, the majority of Paterson’s patients are likely to have received sound treatment. However, knowing which is which is going to take many years to determine.
HOW CAN APPLEBYS HELP?
We are working with some of the best most highly specialised breast and lung cancer Consultant Surgeons, Diagnostic Radiologists and Surgical Oncologists in the country to filter through these records for those who feel that they may have been subject to Paterson’s negligence. We do this on a no win no fee basis and once your records are gathered it may be a very rapid process to confirm whether or not you have a viable action.
WHAT WILL IT COST ME?
It will cost you nothing for us to review your position. If there is no action or your action fails we write off our costs completely. If you do succeed in your action, we charge a maximum of 12.5% of your damages (half what most solicitors charge for such claims). Remember, this is a deduction from your winnings. If you lose there is no charge from us at all.
WILL I HAVE TO GO TO COURT?
In almost all cases the answer is no, however, we cannot rule this out. Most serious actions like this however are subject to settlement or alternative dispute resolution such as mediation or arbitration. In any event we will support you all the way.
‘Staffing ‘inadequate’ at Chester baby death hospital’
The BBC reports on ‘Staffing ‘inadequate’ at Chester baby death hospital’ and the measures being taken to improve the situation.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-38901317
Stillbirths Occurring as a Result of Failure to Complete Tests
In a recent report published in the Telegraph and highlighted by Applebys Solicitors it was suggested that more than half of stillbirths could be avoided had reasonable care and skill been exercised and appropriate checks been undertaken.
Retained Placenta Can Be Life Threatening!
The placenta is a vital organ ensures that your unborn child receives sufficient nutrients, oxygen and antibodies to fight infections; it also acts to transfer your babies waste back through the placenta into your blood stream and produces a range of hormones that are important during pregnancy.
Following the birth of your child, the placenta needs to be delivered. This is commonly known as the third stage of labour and usually occurs within 30 minutes of delivering your child. If the placenta cannot be delivered within this timeframe then it may have to be surgically removed. According to the Midwifes Rules and Standards (NMC 2004) it is the responsibility of the midwife to provide the care required to ensure that the placenta and membranes are delivered and to identify whether the membranes are complete, incomplete or ragged. A failure to appropriately identify and specify the status of the placenta could amount to a breach of duty and has the prospects of a successful claim for damages.
Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS)
Every expectant parent longs for an uneventful pregnancy and the birth of a healthy child. However, new-born children can suffer from MAS when they breathe in both meconium (the child’s first stool) and amniotic fluid, the airways can then become irritated and the child’s lungs inflamed making it difficult for the new-born child to breathe. There is no known treatment available to prevent MAS.