No liability in paraplegia case despite failings: Barnett v Medway NHS Foundation Trust

Abstract

The claimant, who was aged 56 at the date of judgment, suffered from an unusual congenital condition called hypophosphatasia. As a result, he had deficient bone mineralisation and underwent various hospital admissions over many years because of his condition. Nevertheless, he was able to pursue an active lifestyle and worked as the manager of an equipment hire depot. In October 2009, he suffered significant pain and was admitted to hospital. He was discharged home on 19 October and on 22 November 2009 was admitted as an emergency. Unfortunately, despite surgical intervention, he is now paraplegic.