'Oliver', a keen sportsman’s and physiotherapist, was left with permanent nerve damage caused by substandard ACL reconstruction surgery.

Elizabeth Davies, senior associate in JMW’s clinical negligence team took on the case and was able to secure £475,000 to help Oliver manage the financial impact resulting from his injury.

Read Oliver's story:

Injury and ACL surgery

Oliver was a keen sportsman and qualified physiotherapist. He suffered a knee injury playing football and an MRI scan confirmed a complex ACL rupture and meniscal damage. After attempts at conservative management with physiotherapy failed, Oliver opted to undergo an ACL surgical reconstruction on the advice of his surgeon.

Post-surgery Oliver experienced excessive swelling and altered sensation below the knee, including numbness and unpleasant stabbing pains which he described as feeling like electric shocks. At his follow-up appointments Oliver flagged his symptoms to his doctor but he was reassured this was normal. Despite following a very strict physiotherapy regime, Oliver continued to struggle with altered sensation in his left calf, and marked weakness and reduced function in his calf muscle.

Permanent damage

Oliver has been left with permanent pain and reduced function. He has muscle wastage, weakness and fatigue in the leg, a constant burning sensation and cramping pains. He is prevented from running or even walking any considerable distance. He has been left unable to pursue a clinical role as a physiotherapist, a career for which he had high aspirations.

Given the significant impact on his daily functioning, Oliver also developed prolonged depression and anxiety.

JMW’s investigations

Oliver was concerned about the very poor outcome of his surgery and contacted JMW for advice. With the help of evidence from leading medical experts, senior associate solicitor, Elizabeth Davies, was able to prove that Oliver had sustained an injury to the left tibial nerve during the ACL reconstruction and there is no treatment available for such nerve damage.

The hospital later admitted that the surgery had been performed in a substandard manner and had caused Oliver’s very poor outcome.

Settlement secured

After negotiations undertaken by JMW’s expert solicitors, Oliver received £475,000 in compensation. This helped Oliver to manage the financial impact of his lost earnings caused by the negligence, and for him to pay for services around his home and garden which he was no longer able to do for himself.