Mark Bowman was instructed by
Bernadette, with the benefit of BTE insurance, in connection with a
claim for damages arising out of liposuction that she had under the
care of Dr Brown.
Bernadette had been concerned about the appearance of her thighs,
stomach and hips and saw Dr Brown with a view to having
treatment.
Dr Brown explained that liposuction would be a simple procedure
and that Bernadette would benefit from such a procedure and get a
good result. Bernadette agreed to have the treatment, which took
place on 14 April 2005.
Dr Brown used a "super wet" technique to infiltrate Bernadette's
abdomen with fluid before the liposuction removal of the fat.
During the infiltration process Dr Brown perforated Bernadette'
bowel. This was not appreciated at the time.
Bernadette's initially felt fine after surgery but a few days later
started to complain of severe stomach pains. She was taken back to
hospital, where it was eventually appreciated that her bowel had
been perforated during the liposuction procedure.
Bernadette required an emergency laparotomy and post-operatively
she was diagnosed as suffering from pleurisy of her right lung,
pneumonia and embolisms in her left lung. She subsequently
developed a left hernia as well. Bernadette was prescribed Warfarin
which she had to take for a total of 6 months and was left with an
unsightly 8 inch long scar across her abdomen.
| Mark Bowman instructed a Consultant
Plastic Surgeon to provide advice in the case. It was alleged on
behalf of Bernadette that Dr Brown did not have sufficient control
of the infiltration cannula during the performance of the surgical
procedure and that it was negligent for him to have perforated the
bowel. This was denied by the Defendants throughout the case and
the case was listed for trial in the Summer of 2009. |
In spite of the denial of negligence, following exchange of
witness evidence and just prior to exchange of expert evidence, the
Defendants offered to settle Bernadette's claim in the sum of
£35,000, which represented a settlement on a full liability basis.
The offer was accepted by Bernadette who received this sum in
full.
For further information or if you have a cosmetic surgery claim please call Mark Bowman on 020 7861 4043 or
email mark.bowman@ffw.com
You can discuss your cosmetic
surgery claim with any member of our medical negligence team on freephone
0800 358 3848, email personalinjury@ffw.com or
complete our short enquiry form.