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Hospital apologizes for causing Norwich man's paralysis |
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17 August 2007 |
A hospital has admitted negligence after a young Norwich man became paralysed following spinal surgery.
Barry Wright (now 21) developed curvature of the spine and was referred by his GP to the Norwich and Norfolk hospital in April 2000.
A hospital has admitted negligence after a young Norwich man became paralysed following spinal surgery.
Barry Wright (now 21) developed curvature of the spine and was referred by his GP to the Norwich and Norfolk hospital in April 2000. As his condition deteriorated, doctors discussed with him and his mother the possibility of surgery to straighten the spine.
The Wrights were told there was a risk of spinal cord damage and paralysis, but they were assured that all precautions would be taken to guard against it and that the operation would be monitored throughout, so that it could be halted safely if problems were detected.
As a result of these reassurances, Barry Wright and his mother consented to the surgery. The operation took place on 1st August 2001. Monitoring of the nerves during the operation failed but the operation continued because it was thought the monitor was unreliable. After the operation Barry complained that he could not feel his legs.
Investigations showed that two screws had been inserted incorrectly and had gone into the spinal cord leaving Mr Wright with irreversible paralysis in both legs.
The hospital initially rejected claims that its doctors were negligent and insisted that the danger of paralysis was well-known in this type of operation. Eventually they admitted that during surgery the screws had been inserted incorrectly and that this had led to the paralysis. The hospital has now apologized to Barry.
Mr Wright's lawyer is clinical negligence specialist Trefine Maynard of Kester Cunningham John.
'Barry was only 15 and with his life before him when he suffered this tragic injury,' she says. 'He has shown great courage and determination in coming to terms with his injury and refusing to let his disability constrain his life.
'Following the hospital's admission, both sides are now obtaining expert evidence on all aspects of Barry's future needs so the claim can be properly valued and he can receive full and fair damages. This will allow him access to all the equipment and help that he will need both now and in the future to live his life to the full and minimise as far as possible the constraints of his injury.'
The case is likely to come to trial to consider the amount of damages during autumn 2008.
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