Can I Sue the NHS for Sight Loss after Surgery?
If loss of sight following a surgical procedure is considered to be due to a failing by the medical professional involved, it might be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Sight loss following surgery
Sight loss is an occasional outcome of both heart surgery and spinal surgery.
In the case of heart surgery, a prolonged procedure or an overweight patient would seem to be significant factors.
Where spinal surgery is concerned, risk factors would seem to be where the surgery is prolonged and the patient is in the prone position i.e. lying face down. Where the patient experiences significant blood loss and low blood pressure also seem to be important factors.
Post-operative Visual Loss (POVL)
Sight loss can occur due to surgery for a variety of reasons and with differing degrees and duration of visual loss.
Causes of temporary or permanent sight loss generally can involve a reduction or blockage of the blood supply serving the visual system such as the following:
- Restriction of blood flow to the optic nerve
- Restriction of blood supply to the retina
- Reduction of blood flow to the visual cortex in the brain
Permanent visual loss can disable a person dramatically, depriving them of their independence and ability to work.
The financial implications can be considerable where the patient has lost their income and requires considerable support in their daily life.
Awareness of risk factors such as a patient who is diabetic or who smokes or who has a pre-existing heart condition should alert medical practitioners to the need to monitor those patients closely.
Moreover, patients should be made aware before surgery of the risks involved and a failure to do this might be considered as negligent.
Claiming compensation
If you or a loved one are suffering the long-term effects of sight loss due to a medical failing in the course of surgery, you need to seek specialist legal advice.
A successful negligence claim can compensate you for your pain and suffering as well as your past and future financial losses.
Contact us here at Glynns Solicitors to discuss your situation with an experienced medical negligence solicitor who will be happy to advise you.
Can We Help You With A Medical Negligence Enquiry?
Early legal assistance can be vital so please contact us if you would like to discuss your situation. Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
Make An Enquiry
Why Choose Us
- Specialist medical negligence solicitors
- Free initial enquiries
- No win, no fee available
Reviews
"I would like to say a big thank you to you for making this whole process easy and relatively painless. You kept me informed throughout and you were always polite and courteous in all forms of communication. I would not hesitate to recommend you to friends and family, so a really big thank you and I wish you all the best in the future."
Mr A.
Our Expertise
Helping Clients Across England & Wales
Free Medical Negligence Guide
'7 Questions You Must Ask Before Choosing A Medical Negligence Solicitor'