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Gillian Muir - Medical negligence solicitor
Newcastle senior medical negligence solicitor
Dealing with some of the most high profile, high value cases, Gillian is a senior Newcastle solicitor who has spent more than 12 years specialising in medical negligence cases throughout the North East. Whilst the level of medical negligence compensation may appear high, the value reflects the serious nature of the injuries, and the level of care, accommodation and special facilities that the injured person is likely to need, often for the rest of their lives.
Her belief in putting the individual at the centre of the case, makes sure that the client’s needs are always the priority in the claims process.
Many of Gillian’s compensation claims involve patients who have suffered serious, life-changing injuries through the negligence of medical staff or establishments. Where necessary, Gillian has fought to obtain urgent interim payments which can help to improve the quality of life for the injured person whilst the compensation claim continues through the often, lengthy legal processes.
Based in our Newcastle office, Gillian has dealt with serious cases involving patients whose poor treatment at the hands of medical staff leave them paraplegic or sustaining serious brain injury, often caused at or shortly after birth resulting in conditions such as cerebral palsy.
Her in-depth knowledge of these complex claims, her strong negotiating skills, commitment and determination, will assist you and your family to obtain the just compensation to which you are entitled.
Gillian is a member of several legal and support organisations in and around Newcastle, including
- The Law Society’s Clinical Negligence Panel (rigorously and independently assessed, Gillian has received the stamp of approval from this nationally recognised body)
- APIL (The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers)
Successful medical negligence compensation claims
Here is just a small sample of the range of medical negligence compensation claims that Gillian has successfully concluded.
Medical Negligence compensation claim – Spinal injury after poor treatment at local hospital
Developing sudden and excruciating pain in her back, this client was taken to hospital where, despite blood tests showing signs of infection, she was misdiagnosed and sent home. Some weeks later, still in pain, and unable to lie flat, our client was again referred to the hospital by her GP. Again, blood tests showed signs of infection, but again she was discharged and sent home.
Within a few days, our client suffered a sudden spasm in her legs and realised she was paralysed. During this third admission, spinal cord compression was diagnosed and an MRI scan revealed that she had suffered irreversible damage and her condition, that of paraplegia, was permanent.
Further examination at another hospital found extensive spinal infection. The investigation and independent expert reports which Gillian obtained, confirmed that had our client’s correct condition been diagnosed at her first hospital admission, it could have been easily treated with no long-term effects.
Gillian was able to secure an urgent interim payment that allowed our client and her family to firstly make extensive alterations to their existing property, but subsequently to move into more suitable accommodation.
Medical negligence compensation claim – Spinal injury following fall at home
Our client was a very active lady until she suffered an awkward fall at home. She was taken to hospital where she was treated for a broken and dislocated hip. Despite repeatedly telling Doctors and nurses involved in her care that she had no feeling in either of her legs, no tests or investigations were carried out into why she had this loss of feeling. Her condition was consistently attributed to the trauma of the fall and surgery.
It was only after some days, when other symptoms caused concern, and our client was unable to perform physiotherapy exercises, that one of the Doctors carried out a “sharp / blunt” test. This showed that there was a serious problem and our client was immediately taken for X-rays and other scans.
These showed a fracture in her lower spine causing compression of the spinal cord and nerves. The delay in diagnosis of the injury which had happened in the original fall, meant that the damage to the spinal cord and nerves was irreversible and she was confined to a wheelchair. An earlier diagnosis and treatment would have meant she would still be able to walk.
Our client was initially told she would be unable to walk again. However, she has battled to gain some mobility, although this is limited to a few steps with a walking frame. She now relies on family and carers to provide her with the daily help she will need for the rest of her life.
Initially, the Trust denied all liability for our client’s serious condition, and Gillian was forced to issue court proceedings. However, her strong negotiating skills were able to secure almost £800,000 in medical negligence compensation for our client’s injuries and distress, allowing the family to move to more suitable, single-storey accommodation.
Medical negligence compensation claim - Birth injury – Cerebral Palsy
In this tragic clinical negligence case, Mr and Mrs Loraine’s fifth child was born with severe injuries. Despite the presence of a fibroid in the uterus being recorded in previous maternity records, the hospital failed to identify the fibroid in this pregnancy and deal with the possible devastating consequences for Mrs Loraine and her baby. The baby was noted to be in a difficult position for the birth towards the end of the pregnancy, but the doctors allowed her to remain at home until her waters broke.
Her known medical history and the presence of the fibroid meant that Mrs Loraine should have been admitted shortly before the baby was due in order to ensure that he was delivered safely. The delay in getting Mrs Loraine to hospital resulted in Stephen being starved of oxygen and he now suffers from cerebral palsy and related health conditions.
The hospital trust initially denied liability and argued that all appropriate care was given to Mrs Loraine, although they admitted that had Stephen been delivered earlier, he would have avoided the devastating birth injury.
Court proceedings were issued and Gillian sought expert medical advice, which was presented at trial. Thanks to her determination and clear presentation of the facts, Mr and Mrs Loraine won the trial. Stephen will now receive substantial medical negligence compensation, which will help provide the care and facilities that he will need for the rest of his life.
In particular the house where Stephen and his family lived was totally unsuitable, so that his parents had to carry him up and down stairs to the only bathroom in the house. An interim payment was therefore secured and the family will shortly be moving into a large bungalow which will be adapted for Stephen and his carers. Stephen needs round the clock care and this will make life for Stephen, his family and his carers much easier.
Client comments
Below is just one example of the many, many testimonials Gillian has received from grateful clients.
“The settlement was more than excellent. Gillian was absolutely top class.”
Recipient of medical negligence compensation
Making a medical negligence compensation claim
Telephone us now on 0800 783 9019 or complete one of our online compensation claim forms, and a representative will contact you as soon as possible. Please go to our Costs and Risks section for information on how Clear Answers will handle your claim and funding.
Alternative funding arrangements may apply in Northern Ireland due to differing procedures and Law Society regulations.
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