Spinal-injured Client Succeeds In Rare Summary Judgment Application In Medical Negligence Case

Stewarts’ client Andrew, who sustained a life-changing spinal cord injury following a delay in diagnosis and treatment of a spinal epidural abscess, has secured summary judgment in a claim against an NHS trust for medical negligence. Partner Nadia Krueger-Young and senior paralegal Holly Looker acted for Andrew.

Background

Andrew, who was an injecting drug user at the time, attended William Harvey Hospital with severe back and neck pain and extensive wounds to his arms. He underwent blood tests and IV antibiotics but self-discharged. Blood cultures confirmed a bacterial infection, and he was asked to return to hospital. Andrew reattended in the early hours of the following day. He complained again of severe back pain but self-discharged again, before being readmitted later that same day by ambulance.