Settlement for decade-old undiagnosed kidney obstruction

07 August 2020

In 2006, our client who was 19-years-old at the time, began to experience pain in his lower back. He sought medical advice at his local NHS hospital in Shrewsbury, where further investigations including an ultrasound scan and x-ray were taken. While an x-ray showed calcification in the pelvis, causing a blockage, this was not reported to our client. He was discharged with the impression that the results of his investigations were normal.
Settlement for decade old undiagnosed kidney obstruction
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Over the years, he continued to have pain in his lower back, which he learnt to live with it. He managed his symptoms with painkillers and occupied himself with his work as a trainee electrical engineer. 

Between 2013 and 2016, in addition to his symptoms of lower back pain, our client was also finding it painful and difficult when urinating. He attended hospital on several occasions for advice regarding his symptoms of back pain and urinary problems. However, he was simply diagnosed with musculoskeletal pain. Our client was advised by the hospital doctors to manage his symptoms with over-the-counter painkillers.

In February 2017, our client went to see his GP, complaining of blood in his urine.

He was referred to hospital for further investigations. In March 2017, he was finally diagnosed with right-sided PUJ (pelviureteric junction) obstruction. A scan showed that his right kidney was only functioning at 15% of the expected level.

Meanwhile, our client lost his job as an electrical engineer as the pain in his back made it difficult for him to perform the physical work required.

In July 2017, our client had surgery to remove his right kidney because it was so badly damaged. His recovery from surgery was gradual. Unfortunately, the operation wound became infected and he required further treatment at hospital.

Our client sought legal advice and instructed Sumit Morjaria, a specialist solicitor in the medical negligence team at Shoosmiths, to pursue a claim against the NHS hospital trust for the failure to diagnose his kidney obstruction for over a decade.

The case was settled out of court for a significant sum of compensation which, in addition to compensation for the pain and suffering caused, included compensation for loss of earnings and the costs of care and domestic assistance. 

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This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is recommended that specific professional advice is sought before acting on any of the information given. © Shoosmiths LLP 2024

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