Paralysed artist wins £825k medical negligence claim

Published on 29 Jul 2010 under category: legal

A 58-year-old man who was left paralysed in all four limbs after medically negligent practices has won an £825,000 compensation payout.

Tim Joplin, a former artist and lecturer, told staff at Russells Hall Hospital that he was suffering neck and shoulder pain.

Doctors diagnosed him with a pulled muscle, only operating after the discovery of an abscess placing pressure on his spinal cord.

He is now completely dependent and says that he is in "constant pain".

On the case, Mr Joplin has commented: "The encounter I had at Russells Hall Hospital in March 2003 changed me from being a socially skilled individual and useful member of my family to complete dependency and in almost constant pain."

Mr Joplin has warned patients to make sure that they are being listened to by staff in hospitals, for fear of repeat incidents of clinical and medical negligence.

According to his representatives, the disabilities can be blamed on the delay in surgery and the failure of doctors at the hospital to spot the gravity of his condition.

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