Vicki's Story

Vicki's story is one of remarkable fortitude in the face of negligence by doctors that could have left her broken both physically and psychologically.

After being diagnosed in 1992 as having a malignant bone tumour in her right leg, she underwent chemotherapy and extensive surgery, which included the removal of her knee and most of her tibia (shin) and its replacement by a titanium implant. Less than a year later Vicki was advised that the original diagnosis was wrong, that she had never had any form of cancer and that the majority of the medical treatment she received had been totally unnecessary. To make matters even worse, the leg implant caused further problems and Vicki was in constant pain with very limited and restricted mobility. After thinking long and hard about her situation Vicki opted to undergo an above knee amputation.

Vicki contacted Pannone for where the specialist Clinical Negligence team moved quickly in to action on her behalf, eventually securing a six figure compensation settlement. This has enabled her to pay for special adaptations at her home, the provision of an artificial limb for life and ongoing physiotherapy costs.

Vicky has, with the help of Pannone's Clinical Negligence team, been able to rebuild her life. She is now married with two children, is a sign language for children specialist (http://www.babiescansign.co.uk/), teaches part time and is about to swim 21 miles (not all at once) to raise money for a local hospice. Her story is remarkable and its one that Pannone are privileged to have played a positive part in.

A Remarkable Young Woman

Claire is a remarkable young woman with an equally remarkable story. She was born in December 1970 after her mother's normal pregnancy. Her labour and delivery were lengthy and she was in a very poor condition at birth and required active resuscitation and special care. She was discharged home at the age of 4 weeks and her parents gradually began to realise, despite the fact this was their first child, that Claire was not making any progress. After a number of medical consultations they eventually saw a Consultant Paediatrician who advised them that Claire had sustained a severe brain injury and her development would be significantly delayed and she would always have very serious problems. Her parents were told 'it was just one of those things'.

Claire has athetoid cerebral palsy. In practical terms, she can do nothing for herself. She is confined to a wheelchair, has involuntary and unco-ordinated movements, is unable to speak and communicates via an alphabet board which she finds a very quick and easy method to use. She requires total care and support in all aspects of her daily living.

In November 1998, on Claire's insistence she went with a friend to Pannone's Manchester office. A letter, which Claire had 'dictated' was handed to one of our clinical negligence experts requesting our help in looking at the medical care afforded to her when she was born. The letter explained that Claire had watched a TV news item of a young boy receiving a sum of compensation as a result of injury sustained at birth. Claire wondered if that had happened to her and if she could receive some money. Claire revealed that her main concern was her future and what would happen to her when her parents died. She had heard her parents discussing their Wills and she had begun to worry about what would happen to her when her parents were unable to continue to provide her with all the care and support that she needed.

Pannone began an investigation. Claire's medical records were still available. They were obtained, considered and evidence obtained from independent experts, a Consultant Obstetrician, a Midwife together with a Neonatologist and a Neuroradiologist who reviewed the MR scans of Claire's brain. The obstetric and midwifery criticisms were that inappropriate and inadequate monitoring of the second stage of Claire's labour had occurred. This was denied by the Defendant Hospital.

Legal Proceedings were commenced and the action progressed to Trial in March 2004. On the third day of Trial, Defendant's Obstetric Expert under cross-examination conceded that the Midwife had not followed standard practice regarding the monitoring of the labour in the second stage and the Defendants offered a settlement.

The next year was spent calculating the value of Claire's compensation claim. Care Experts were instructed by each party to undertake an assessment of Clare's past, current and future care requirements and joint instructions were sent to Experts to assess and advise upon Claire's needs in respect of accommodation, physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, aids and appliances together with information and technology.

Ultimately, agreement was reached between the Parties that Claire was entitled to recover a substantial sum. The money has been placed into a Trust. Claire is a Trustee together with her parents and an expert in trust fund matters from Pannone. She is now able to have a 24 hour 7 days a week care regime which allows her independence but with appropriate support for her care and other needs. She has also been able to have her bathroom refurbished and purchase a state-of-the art bed to make life that bit more comfortable. Claire has gained her independence and freedom to do what she wants and when she wants to do it.

Claire's determination and independence of thought and spirit which has amongst other things has allowed her to visit the top of the Eiffel Tower , Rally Drive and have many other adventures also resulted in her coming to Pannone and asking for our help. The outcome of her compensation claim has ensured that her future is secure.

Helping You to Build a Better Future

At Pannone LLP we help clients build a better future for themselves. Take Kayla for example. Kayla was left with a brain injury after being starved of oxygen at birth. The doctors treating Kayla should have delivered her much earlier during the labour process and this delay caused significant injuries.

Pannone's Number One rated Clinical Negligence team worked with Kayla and her family to secure a substantial compensation settlement and our involvement did not end there. The firm's Private Client department helped Kayla and her family purchase a bungalow and ensure that carers are available to provide support to Kayla and her family.

The bungalow underwent specially designed adaptations which are now complete, including self-contained accommodation for her carer. Kayla is now 11-years old and lives at home with her Mum, Grandma and Uncle.

She's really happy at school and is making great progress, but like all kids, she loves 'hometime' when she can get back to her special bungalow and play with her pet poodles, Lottie and the latest addition, little Ginger. Together with our Number One ranked Personal Injury department Pannone provide a complete range of care and rehabilitation services for individuals like Kayla, who have suffered serious injuries.

Paralympics Dream for Steven

Steven was born prematurely and within 24 hours of his birth he suffered brain damage due to a negligent failure to monitor and observe his condition. A machine at Stockport's Stepping Hill Hospital did not contain a battery and as a result Steven suffered profound asphyxia caused by a period of cardiac arrest. The alarm failed to sound when the arrest began and his deteriorating condition went unobserved for several minutes.

Steven suffers from athetoid quadriplegic cerebral palsy and although he has some ability to walk he is largely dependant on a wheelchair for mobility. His ability to undertake fine manipulative movements is significantly impaired and he has difficulties with his speech.

Pannone's Clinical Negligence team secured a substantial compensation settlement for Steven - an award that has made a profound difference to his life.

Steven has been able to buy a house and have it specially adapted to suit his needs. A major feature is the hydrotherapy pool installed in the extension, which helps with the exercises he does to aid freedom of movement. Steven also employed a 'Buddy' for a couple of years which helped him to gain independence, begin to socialise, attend wheelchair sporting events and just participate in everyday activities which most of us take for granted, without always being chaperoned by his parents. Now Steven has learnt to drive and has his own car, which gives him even more independence. The money has given Steven his freedom to act, as far as is possible, as a young man growing up and experiencing all aspects of life.

Thanks in no small measure to his settlement amount, Steven has also been able to pursue his passion for wheelchair racing and follow his dream to compete in the 2012 Paralympics. He has already competed in top events including the Great North Run and has also raced in Europe and America .

Now 20 years old, Steven successfully completed BTEC National and Higher National Diplomas in Sport and Exercise Science and Sports Therapy respectively and is now in his second year of a Bsc Hons degree course in Sports and Exercise Sciences at Manchester Metropolitan University .

On finishing the course he wants to concentrate on being a full time athlete but eventually move in to sports development as a career.

Call 0800 0 382 382 or email now for a consultation with a Pannone Clinical Negligence Solicitor or Lawyer. We are available to take your call twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.