Wrong-Level Spinal Surgery Leads To £117,000 Compensation

Dan* underwent an elective microdiscectomy procedure at an NHS hospital.

After the surgery, his surgeon advised that he had mistakenly operated on the incorrect spinal level. We were instructed to investigate the impact of this error.

The challenges Dan faced

Before the surgery, Dan worked as a self-employed floor layer. One evening, Dan was exercising at the gym when he felt a sudden pain in his back. He saw his GP, who advised him to rest. A few weeks later, Dan resumed his normal activities and played football when he experienced severe pain in his lower back. This pain was more intense than the episode in the gym, with pain radiating down his left leg. Following a review at the hospital, Dan was diagnosed with a focal disc bulge at L5/S1 with S1 root compression. There were two options discussed: a steroid injection and surgery. Initially, Dan opted for the steroid injection, which was less invasive. Unfortunately, the injection only provided temporary