medical negligence?

Hi, is there anything I can do about my recent nightmare box change? put simply I know things can sometimes go wrong but what happened to me has (never happened before) my doc's words.

After removing the box the doc was unable to remove the screw from the lead which resulted in me having to have another one put in the whole thing took 3 hours with me wide awake I can only describe it as some kind of torture, I'm still traumatised a week later... any help is appreciated thanks.

I'm in UK.

2 Comments

Negligence ?

by IAN MC - 2016-05-27 05:05:32

I am in the UK and read your earlier post with interest. I don't think it is rocket science to remove leads from a pacemaker box and I have never heard of such problems happening with anyone else.

The fact that two cardiologists couldn't manage it would suggest that there must have been some sort of unique problem / design fault with the lead / box screwing mechanism.
As a matter of interest, what make and model of PM was it ?

I know that our friends in the U.S tend to leap into litigation mode far more readily than than we do in the U.K. but it would seem that your case justifies progressing things further.

As a first step, I would write to the Chief Executive of the hospital . You need to honestly describe your level of trauma, and state that you are considering litigation unless you receive a satisfactory explanation of what went on.

If, after that, you still want to go down the litigation route then Google " Medical Negligence UK " and you will find loads of legal firms who specialise in such claims on a " no win , no fee " basis

You may well find that it was an unavoidable situation which any doctor would have struggled with ,on the other hand it is possible that your cardiologists are incompetent .

Maybe you could private message me and let me know which hospital it was . (when I need a PM change I will know where to avoid ! )

Best of luck and keep us informed of how you get on

Ian

Re: medical negligence?

by jpope5 - 2016-05-29 03:05:12

Hi,

I'm in the USA and I've had devices implanted since 1996. I am currently on my fifth device.

I've had a few terrible experiences. One in particular was so horrific that I did speak to many lawyers.

The long and short of it is that your type of experience is very hard to prove. The lawyers will not take a case on contingency (the get paid only if you get paid) unless the are sure the can win.

I was involved in a case where there was a lead failure, later found out there was a recall and made inquiries. I stumbled on the information accidentally. There was indeed a lawsuit and I was eligible. There was a settlement but the lawyers and the insurers (which include the US government) have had it tied up in escrow for years now.

A manufacturer who admits they produced a device that failed had happened.

I have never heard of a doctor being taken into account for this type of thing and I've tried. It's just too hard to prove.

We've all heard of the wrong limb being amputated or surgical equipment left in the body. There you have concrete evidence.

The only way I could have proceeded is if I paid a lawyer up front and on a continuing basis, with no guarantee.

If you can afford it, I wish you well.

Jpope5

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