Woman's £1.2m damages for amputation error
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A woman has won £1.2m compensation after having a leg amputated after she was wrongly diagnosed with cancer.
A woman has won £1.2m compensation after having a leg amputated after she was wrongly diagnosed with cancer.
Vicki Gilbert, 27, was told she had a malignant bone tumour by doctors in Birmingham eight years ago.
She underwent chemotherapy and extensive surgery to remove her knee and most of her shin bone.
But less than a year later she was told she did not have cancer and that surgery had been unnecessary. Instead, she had a harmless bone cyst and most of her treatment had not been needed.
Part of her leg was replaced by a titanium implant which caused her a great deal of pain, leading to the amputation of her leg from just above the knee in September 1996.
She has now been awarded the damages by South Birmingham Health Authority to settle her claim for mis-diagnosis of her condition and subsequent unnecessary treatment.
Mrs Gilbert, a college sports lecturer from Leeds, who also works as a disability equality trainer, said: "What has happened to me shouldn't have happened, but it did and I've got on with my life.
"But it shouldn't happen in vain and I very much hope the regularity with which these clinical mistakes are occurring is being recognised and that something is done about it."
A spokeswoman for South Birmingham Health Authority said: "We can confirm that a settlement has been reached with Mrs Gilbert and we are pleased that this matter has now been brought to a conclusion.
"The Health Authority did admit liability some time ago and has not been contesting the case.
"We are very sorry for what happened and we wish her well for the future."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments