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Peripheral ischaemia is a serious condition in which the blood flow and oxygen supply to a limb is restricted by narrowing or blockage of the arteries. Failure to recognise that a patient has peripheral ischaemia and provide timely treatment, or to prevent limb ischaemia in a patient who is at increased risk, can lead to devastating disability from limb loss and amputation.
If you have suffered or require an amputation as a result of negligent medical, surgical or emergency care, we can help you claim the compensation you need to manage your disability and restore your mobility and independence.
Speak to our medical negligence solicitors
For more than 30 years, Boyes Turner's medical negligence solicitors have guided severely injured patients through the claims process to secure the compensation and specialist support that they need to manage their disability and rebuild their lives.
You can contact us by telephone or by email for free, confidential advice from a medical negligence solicitor. We will ask you to tell us briefly about your injury and your medical care, and advise you about your time limits and whether we can help you investigate your claim. Once our investigations confirm you have grounds for a claim, we will notify the defendant healthcare provider (usually represented by NHS Resolution) on your behalf and invite them to respond, giving them an opportunity to admit liability (responsibility for your injuries) before court proceedings are issued.
If liability is admitted, we will obtain a judgment from the court and apply for a substantial interim payment to begin meeting your needs arising from your injury and disability. If NHS Resolution deny liability, we will advise you about the best way to proceed with your claim. This may involve issuing court proceedings or inviting NHS Resolution to enter into settlement negotiations or mediation.
Partner, Medical negligence
Our client developed pain in his left lower leg and attended A&E and was noted to have a popliteal aneurysm. His GP referred him to a vascular consultant, who failed to take action and continued to monitor the situation. Almost a year later, our client’s leg had become extremely painful and he was transferred by the local hospital to the vascular surgical team, where he was diagnosed with a left thrombosis (blood clot) popliteal artery aneurysm. He underwent surgery, but despite attempts to save his leg, he needed a left below knee amputation.
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In what can only be described as a stressful process dealing with Birth Negligence for your child, Boyes Turner, specifically Richard Money Kyrle and Tara Byrne made the process as smooth, efficient, and with a high level of understanding and empathy as possible. Each part of the process was explained clearly in layman's terms so I had a clear idea of what to expect and also a timeline of how long each process would take. Both Richard and Tara were always an email or phone call away and having to divulge such past traumatic events was done with the utmost respect and empathy. My son's case has now settled and thanks to all the hard work and fighting for justice we are able to move towards a bright future.
Thoroughly professional, knowledgable and approachable with communication and updates as and when needed, in what can be a drawn out process, I was always comfortable asking questions and always received answers which were clear and understandable. Highly recommend
Peripheral ischaemia or limb ischaemia is a dangerous condition in which the blood flow and oxygen supply to a limb is restricted by narrowing or blockage of the arteries. 'Ischaemia’ means inadequate supply of oxygenated blood to an organ or part of the body. ‘Peripheral ischaemia’ is sometimes known as limb ischaemia, as it refers specifically to lack of blood and oxygen supply to a limb.
Peripheral ischaemia is often associated with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) or peripheral vascular disease (PVD), in which the blood supply to the leg muscles is restricted over time by a build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries.
Acute limb ischaemia is a medical emergency in which the vascular blood supply to a limb decreases suddenly, threatening the viability or survival of the limb. Acute limb ischaemia can be caused by thrombosis or embolism, or by trauma, such as from surgical injuries. Any delays in treatment can lead to the loss of the patient’s limb.
The classic signs of acute limb ischaemia are sometimes known as the six Ps:
Pain when the limb is at rest. Pain on walking can also be a sign of intermittent claudication, which is an early, treatable sign of peripheral arterial disease.
Pallor or an unhealthy, pale appearance. An acutely ischaemic limb often appears white in comparison to the other limb. Other discolouration of the limb, such as abnormally pink, blue, mottled or black, suggests more chronic or advanced ischaemia.
Paraesthesia or abnormal sensation, such as pins and needles, or numbness.
Paralysis is an advanced sign which suggests some irreversible ischaemia.
Perishingly cold feeling in the limb when compared to the other limb.
Pulselessness in suspected ischaemia means that arterial Doppler signals should be checked.
The risk of developing peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and peripheral ischaemia increases with age. Around 20% or 1 in 5 adults over the age of 60 are believed to have peripheral arterial disease to some degree.
People with type 1 or type 2 diabetes are also at increased risk. Around 1 in 3 people with diabetes who are over the age of 50 are affected by peripheral arterial disease.
People with coronary artery disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or smokers of any age are also at increased risk of peripheral arterial disease and peripheral ischaemia.
Medical negligence claims for compensation for severe injury and disability from peripheral ischaemia commonly involve mistakes by GPs, such as:
Peripheral ischaemia injuries are amongst the most common types of GP negligence claims, because delays in diagnosis and treatment of this dangerous condition can have devastating consequences for the patient, including ulceration, gangrene, and the loss of the limb.
Limb ischaemia leading to amputation can also be caused by surgical errors and other types of hospital negligence, such as:
Peripheral ischaemia or limb ischaemia medical negligence claims usually arise from negligence which has resulted in amputation of one or multiple limbs.
Untreated or inadequately treated peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and limb ischaemia also increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, and in some cases can lead to the patient’s death.
Each client’s compensation will depend on the individual circumstances of their injury and the impact that their disability has on their life.
Claims arising from amputation caused by negligent treatment relating to peripheral ischaemia or limb ischaemia often include compensation for:
Where our client has been injured by negligent medical or surgical treatment but has also been left with an increased risk of an amputation in future, we can protect our client’s right to claim further compensation in future if the anticipated future amputation occurs by making a claim for provisional damages. This allows us to secure a compensation settlement for our client’s current injury, whilst preserving their right to return to court for more compensation at a later date if the amputation takes place.
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