Medical Solicitors represented the Claimant (C), a male in his early twenties, in this medical negligence retinal detachment claim. Our client received £46,000 as the Defendant (D) failed to diagnose his retinal detachment and, subsequently, he experienced loss of sight.
Further information on C’s retinal detachment claim
As a result of the failure to diagnose retinal detachment on 7th November 2014, the Claimant (C) who was 21-years-old at the time, suffered from macular off detachment, rather than macular on detachment. The macular is the part of the eye responsible for central and fine-detail vision.
C would have had normal central vision and only a small peripheral visual field defect inferonasally had surgery taken place to correct the macular on retinal detachment.
Due to the medical negligence of the Defendant, C has been left with vision of 6/36 (a moderate to severe amount of visual loss, not to be categorised as slight) and central vision distortion (rendering the effect more severe for C).
In effect, C now has permanently distorted eyesight, as though he is looking under water, with occasional headaches. C also used to only wear glasses for driving, but now he has a constant need for glasses.
Overall, C’s loss of vision is seen as moderate. This is based upon the good vision he has in his right eye. However, without this good vision in the right eye, C’s sight loss in the left eye is moderate to severe. Unfortunately, C’s overall condition is considered permanent, but no future changes to his sight are anticipated due to the negligent treatment.
Calculating C’s total retinal detachment compensation
C’s medical negligence claim was settled and totalled £46,000, broken down as follows:
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Pain, Suffering and Loss of Amenity (General Damages): £30,000
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Losses and Expenses: £233
- Smith v Manchester Award: £15,767
Besides the physical and mental suffering C experienced due to medical negligence, he also suffered from loss of amenity. He had to give up his hobby of playing cricket, a social hobby as well as a sport, as he can no longer see the ball to catch or bat. Prior to his sight loss, C would train once or twice every week. What’s more, C’s left eye also stings if he uses the computer or watches the TV for too long in the evening.
The Smith v Manchester Award is awarded to a Claimant when the disability they now have due to medical negligence or personal injury negatively impacts their prospects in the labour market. This compensation covers a Claimant should they find themselves on the open labour market looking for a job and any disadvantage they may face when trying to seek other employment as a result of their injuries.
Talk to us about your retinal detachment claim
Please get in touch with our friendly team of Medical Solicitors if you believe you have a retinal detachment claim. This may involve a missed or delayed diagnosis of retinal detachment, substandard eye surgery, and even loss of eyesight (whether temporary, permanent, partial or total).
We will discuss your potential claim for free and with no obligations. If we believe you have a claim, we will most likely offer a ‘No Win, No Fee’ agreement, also known as a Conditional Fee Agreement, so you have nothing to lose financially in speaking with us.
It’s important to us that our clients are looked after and we will fight to ensure your claim is successful and not undervalued. If you are suffering with your eyesight and the physical and emotional toll caused by negligent medical treatment, our solicitors are happy to travel to you for meetings face-to-face. We have also produced a sight loss support guide with practical advice and information regarding support groups.
We would always advise seeking specialist legal advice for your retinal detachment claim as early possible. This is because medical negligence claims have time limitations. However, please don’t hesitate to contact us if you are concerned about time limitations as there can be exceptions.