£37,000 compensation for breast cancer survivor
A woman has been awarded £37,000 in compensation claims after breast reconstructive surgery left her feeling ‘like a freak show’.
After a cancerous lump was found in her right breast in September 2003, the victim made the difficult decision to undergo an immediate mastectomy.
Although she felt unsure about going through with the procedure, she was reassured by her consultant that he would be able to carry out a reconstruction at the same time.
She was given the all-clear, but was left horrified by her appearance. The reconstructed breast was smaller and sat higher up her chest than her left breast, which caused mental anguish.
She said it left her feeling “ugly” and “self-conscious” all the time. The surgery led to serious psychological effects on her, and she was embarrassed to be naked.
Following an independent report into her operation, it was described as a “cosmetic disaster”. Throughout the case the hospital refused to admit professional negligence, claiming the victim was given “entirely appropriate” treatment.
However, they agreed an out-of-court settlement of £37,000 as public liability compensation, after acknowledging that she was unhappy with her appearance.
They will also make an additional payment of £9,000 to cover the costs of a new reconstructive operation with a leading specialist surgeon.
Updated on 12/05/2010