Settlement reached for client left paraplegic following negligent spinal surgery

Rachel Kirby, Partner in our Medical Negligence team, secured a significant settlement for a client who was left paraplegic and with a reduced life expectancy following negligent treatment for a spinal tumour.

Our client was a referred to the neurology team at Southmead Hospital, operated by North Bristol NHS Trust, in April 2022 following a four-month history of intermittent coldness, sweating and tingling affecting his left arm and upper chest.

Initial MRI imaging identified a spinal tumour.  At a multidisciplinary team meeting, it was provisionally considered to be an intramedullary spinal cord tumour, with further imaging recommended before any treatment decisions were made.

However, prior to the enhanced imaging taking place, a Consultant Neurosurgeon advised our client that the tumour was a slow-growing intramedullary tumour and discussed surgical options. Our client subsequently consented to surgery on that basis.

Further enhanced MRI scans undertaken shortly afterwards revealed abnormalities and raised concerns among radiologists, with recommendations for further discussion. The imaging demonstrated a diffuse spinal cord tumour, a type of tumour which is particularly difficult to remove surgically without significant risk of neurological injury.

Although surgery was initially postponed due to these concerns, a decision was later made to proceed with an attempted gross resection in December 2022.

During the procedure, the tumour could not be safely removed. Despite neurophysiological monitoring indicating early signs of spinal cord injury, surgery continued. As a result, our client was left with a severe and irreversible neurological deficit.

Following surgery, he was rendered paraplegic, suffering loss of mobility, incontinence, and loss of sensation in his lower limbs. He subsequently developed a syrinx, leaving him vulnerable to complications and requiring significant ongoing care. The impact of his injuries also caused significant psychological distress and a marked deterioration in his mental wellbeing.

Our client’s tumour was rare and aggressive, and his overall prognosis was poor irrespective of surgical intervention. However, the negligent management and decision-making led to a devastating and avoidable deterioration in his quality of life during his remaining time.

Given his prognosis, the Geldards team acted swiftly to progress the claim and secure a settlement during his lifetime, despite delays on the part of the defendant.

A settlement was reached in January 2026. Sadly, our client passed away just two days later at the age of 47.