ENT Surgery Negligence Claims

Common ENT Injuries When It Goes Wrong

 ENT surgery negligence claims are sought if you are injured because of surgical error, substandard pre-operative or post-operative care, or even when there was a failure to get informed consent. ENT (ear, nose and throat) surgery is a specialist medical area which deals with conditions affecting the ears, nose and throat and related structures.

This includes different issues, such as hearing, balance, swallowing and breathing. While ENT procedures are generally safe and effective, surgical negligence can happen. Unfortunately, this can have serious results.

So, if you are suffering a botched ENT surgery or poor medical care related to an ENT procedure, you may be entitled to pursue a medical negligence claim for compensation.

Jefferies Claims can help as we work with lawyers who offer a ‘No Win, No Fee’ agreement. This means you will not pay any legal fees unless your claim is successful. Additionally, they can assess your case as to whether a medical negligent claim would be valid and if so, take it forward.

What Is ENT Surgery?

ENT surgery covers the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of conditions involving the ear, nose, throat, head, and neck. Familiar ENT surgeries may include:

• Tonsillectomy (removal of tonsils)
• Adenoidectomy (removal of adenoids)
• Sinus surgery
• Septoplasty (correcting a deviated septum)
• Ear tube surgery
• Cochlear implants
• Thyroid and parathyroid surgery
• Head and neck cancer surgery

These procedures can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life, but if they go wrong, the consequences can be severe.

What Is ENT Surgery Negligence?

Medical negligence occurs when a medical professional fails in their duty of care and which lead to avoidable harm. This might include:

• Surgical errors during an operation
• Failure to diagnose or misdiagnosis of an ENT condition
• Poor pre-operative or post-operative care
• Inadequate communication or failure to obtain informed consent

 

To bring a successful ENT medical negligence claim, you should be able to show that :

1. A duty of care was owed to you by a healthcare professional.
2. That duty of care was breached.
3. The breach caused you harm that would not have happened otherwise.

Common Injuries from ENT Surgery Negligence

Injuries from ENT medical negligence can vary in severity depending on the type of procedure and the nature of the error. Common examples of injuries may include:

Nerve Damage

During delicate ENT operations, nerves in the face, neck, or throat can be damaged. For instance, damage to the facial nerve may result in facial paralysis, while a vagus nerve injury can affect speech and swallowing.

Hearing Loss

Procedures involving the inner or middle ear can, if mishandled, cause hearing loss or tinnitus (persistent ringing in the ears).

Infection or Scarring

Failure to maintain sterile conditions or properly manage post-operative care can lead to serious infections, abscesses, or even scarring.

Breathing Difficulties

Errors in procedures involving the nasal passages or throat (such as adenoid removal or sinus surgery) can lead to long-term breathing problems.

Voice and Speech Impairment

Damage to the laryngeal nerves during thyroid or throat surgery may cause loss of voice.

Swallowing Difficulties

Throat or neck surgery can lead to difficulty swallowing, sometimes requiring feeding tubes or long-term therapy.

Real-World Examples of ENT Medical Negligence

• A patient undergoing sinus surgery sustains a perforated septum due to poor surgical technique, causing lifelong breathing problems.
• A surgeon fails to identify a tumour on a CT scan, delaying cancer diagnosis and worsening the prognosis.

If these type of scenarios sound familiar, you may have grounds to pursue a medical negligence claim.

How to Make a Medical Negligence Claim for ENT Injuries

Step 1: Seek Medical Advice

Before taking legal steps, ensure that any health concerns have been properly addressed by another qualified medical professional. Get a second opinion if needed.

Step 2: Gather Evidence

Collect as much written evidence as possible, including:

• Medical records
• GP and specialist letters
• Test results
• Photographs of visible injuries or scars
• Witness statements (if applicable)

Step 3: Contact a Medical Negligence Solicitor

Speak to a specialist medical negligence solicitor with experience in ENT surgery claims.

Time Limits for Making an ENT Negligence Claim

You typically have three years from the date of the incident, or the date you became aware of the injury to file a medical negligence claim. Exceptions apply for children under the age of 18 or if the injured person lacks capacity.

It’s advisable to seek legal advice as soon as possible to avoid missing the deadline.

How Much Compensation Can You Claim?

Compensation amounts vary depending on the severity of your injuries and the impact on your life. Generally, your claim will include:

• General damages for pain, suffering, and loss of amenity
• Special damages for financial losses, such as lost earnings, travel expenses, and medical treatment

Your solicitor will provide a more accurate estimate based on your specific circumstances.

Next Steps

As clinical medical negligence can be complicated, you should consult with a lawyer with considerable knowledge about claims in this field. Many cases are settled out of court.

We work with highly experienced lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis and your information remains confidential.

Contact Jefferies Claims today at 0333 358 3034 or complete our online contact form to arrange a free, no-obligation telephone consultation.

This article provides general legal information and should not be construed as legal or medical advice. In all instances you should always consult with a medical professional around life expectancy questions.