Talented Photographer Wins £2.4 Million For NHS Negligence

A talented young photographer whose life and career were blighted by a negligent delay in diagnosing and treating a serious back condition has won a £2.4 million compensation payout after the NHS admitted blame for her injuries.

The woman had established her own company and was winning respect as a professional photographer before she went into hospital suffering from acute back pain. Hospital staff suspected that her condition might be serious and an MRI scan was planned, but never carried out, before she was sent home the following day.

Her condition swiftly deteriorated and, two days later, she underwent emergency spinal decompression surgery. One of the discs in her back had collapsed and, as a result of the delay in treatment, she developed cauda equina syndrome – a serious spinal condition which can cause a number of distressing symptoms and has had a serious impact on her personal and professional life.

The NHS trust which ran the hospital admitted liability and the High Court rejected its plea that the woman had exaggerated her disabilities. Her damages award included £140,000 for her pain, suffering and loss of amenity and took account of her lost earnings and the costs of her care, specialist accommodation and equipment.

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