Client received £60,000 for septic arthritis suffered following repair of a meniscus tear
£60,000 was awarded to our client after she suffered septic arthritis following the repair of a meniscus tear.
What Happened?
In November 2015, our client had a right knee arthroscopy carried out. Upon discharge, our client developed excess bleeding. When redressing the wound, she noticed that all three of the wounds on the knee were open. The wounds hadn’t been sutured, glued or stitched.
Misdiagnosis and Mistreatment
Our client sought advice from different medical professionals but was continuously told it was no cause for concern. She began to feel extremely unwell, lethargic and nauseous with a high temperate. The client explained to her GP that she recently had an operation and the problems with the wound, the bleeding and the pus that was present. She also explained that she had been suffering with night sweats and tremors. The GP failed to check our client’s temperature, do blood tests or even examine her knee.
Outcome
Knowing something was wrong, our client took herself to A&E. Her temperate was at 38 and was put on an IV drop and fluid was taken out of her knee. Our client was told she needed a washout of the knee as the yellow fluid which was seeping out of the knee was a cause for infection. Following on from the washout, our client was advised she had a deep-rooted infection. She had to stay in hospital for approximately 2-3 weeks as it took a while for her CRP infection levels to come down. Our client was then discharged with a PICC line inserted.
It was decided that it was too risky to have further washout procedures and therefore she was given medication in order to try and clear the sepsis. At the time of suffering with sepsis, our client began to suffer with problems with her lungs, struggling with her chest and developed a major chest infection. She had to be on medication for 4 months.
Following on from the surgery, our client is now unable to walk quickly or run/jog. She also has difficulties driving and regularly has to stop to take breaks to prevent her knee from swelling and becoming stiff. Prior to the surgery our client purchased a road bike and now can’t make us of this. Her knee injury also impacts on home life as she cannot run around and play with her children.
As a result of the pain and ongoing suffering, our client was awarded £60,000 in compensation
