nhs negligence

warton

I had acdf surgery in October 2023 but have got damage to my vocal chord nerve ever since I not been able to speak since then(just whispered) and I haven't been able to work since the surgery .Would it be worth to look at nhs negligence and if so how would I do this?

Rosie_Scope

Hi @warton, sorry to hear you had a complication with your surgery. I think this is something that you're probably best getting some professional legal advice on. Citizens Advice might be able to point you in the direction of a local firm with the right experience. But I hope some of our members can offer their thoughts too.

I found some information about making negligence claims on the NHS website that you might like to have a look through as a start

MW123

@warton I'm deeply sorry for the challenges you've faced following your ACDF surgery, particularly the vocal cord nerve damage that has impacted your ability to speak and work. 

If you suspect negligence on the part of the NHS, addressing it through a clinical negligence claim could be a course of action. To do this, gather your complete medical records, seek an independent medical expert's opinion for a second view, and consult with a solicitor experienced in NHS negligence cases. 

Time is of the essence, as there's a three-year limitation period for claims. Your solicitor can guide you through the process, from filing a complaint with the NHS trust to potential legal action if necessary. Keep in mind that this journey can be complex, so ensuring you have a strong case supported by your medical records and expert opinions is crucial.

Meredithshep

I'm so sorry that you had complications but I have recently seen a neurosurgeoun and been sent the information on this exact surgery and it does say that damage to nerves and voice changes as a result are a risk, it's a small risk but a recognised risk. I really don't think there's much you can do. I wish you well in your recovery 

woodbine

Were you told at the time that this was a risk ?

luvpink

warton said:

I had acdf surgery in October 2023 but have got damage to my vocal chord nerve ever since I not been able to speak since then(just whispered) and I haven't been able to work since the surgery .Would it be worth to look at nhs negligence and if so how would I do this?

Hi you would have had to sign a consent form before your surgery and it should have stated any risks or complications and the surgeon should have informed you.
you should have been given a copy of the consent form.

MW123

@warton

In the context of medical negligence claims, consent forms are not a blanket protection for any healthcare provider. If a patient can demonstrate that a healthcare professional breached their duty of care, and this breach directly caused harm or injury, they may still have a valid claim for negligence.

This means that even if a patient signed a consent form, they may still be able to pursue a claim if they can prove that the healthcare professional failed to meet the standard of care expected in their profession.

 It's important to note that determining negligence in medical cases can be complex, and the outcome will depend on the specific details of your case, the standard of care expected, and the healthcare provider's actions. If you believe you have suffered harm due to negligence, despite signing a consent form, it is advisable to consult with a medical negligence solicitor to understand your legal rights and options.