Hernia Compensation Claims

Hernia Compensation Claims

Duncan Lewis Personal Injury Solicitors for Hernia Compensation Claims

No Win No Fee Claims for Hernia Compensation

Duncan Lewis is one of the UK’s leading firms of personal injury and Legal Aid solicitors – and can advise on how to make a no win no fee hernia compensation claim if the injury occurred as a result of someone else’s negligence.

Hernia Compensation Claims

A hernia (“rupture”) is an organ or tissues which protrude through the muscle wall of the abdomen as a result of a rupture in the peritoneum (lining of the abdominal cavity) – causing a lump or a sac which is on the exterior of the abdominal wall instead of being contained by it.

Large hernias may give the stomach a very swollen appearance, or protrude from the area of the groin or navel (belly button).

There are different types of hernia and some people have a genetic predisposition to them.

The different types of hernia are:

• Femoral hernia (affecting the groin above the thigh, causing sciatica)
• Hiatus hernia (upper stomach area, resulting in acid reflux and pain)
• Inguinal hernia (affecting groin, bowel and sexual organs)
• Incisional hernia (surgical injury)
• Spinal hernia (slipped disc)
• Strangulated hernia (blood supply to the hernia is cut off)
• Umbilical hernia (post-partum hernia affecting the navel).
• Incisional hernias
  New mothers undergoing Caesarean sections may sustain incisional hernias requiring corrective surgery, but an incisional hernia can occur in any type of abdominal surgery.
• Inguinal hernias
  Inguinal hernias affect the groin and can lead to part of the bowel becoming trapped by the abdominal muscle it has pushed through.
  Inguinal hernias are mainly diagnosed in men and may require urgent surgery if the hernia grows and the blood supply becomes blocked (strangulated hernia). Without surgery, part of the bowel that is trapped may die – or rupture and caused fluid to leak into the abdomen resulting in potentially life-threatening peritonitis.
  Surgery for an inguinal hernia may include removing the part of the bowel which has died and joining the two healthy ends together.
• Spinal hernias
  Spinal hernias affect the discs of the spine (herniated disc) and cause pain in the lumbar region of the spine, as well as in the neck and arms and legs.
  Spinal hernias are commonly called a slipped disc and there are specific types of spinal hernia such as Bleichner's Hernia, Grynfeltt's Hernia and Petit’s Hernia.
  Spinal hernias are usually the result of lifting heavy items using only the back, as sometimes happens in industrial or work-related injuries.
  Spinal hernias can also result from Sports Injury or Road Traffic Accidents.
• Umbilical hernias
  Babies can be born with hernias – including umbilical hernias, which are usually repaired with surgery if they do not resolve themselves. New mothers can also be left with an umbilical hernia after birth.

Hernia surgery

Most hernias can be cured with surgery – the protruding organ is eased back into position and the hole in the abdominal wall is closed. Laparoscopic surgery can be used, as well as open surgery for larger hernias.

Hernias can be extremely debilitating and associated pain and discomfort can reduce quality of life and affect diet choices – which happens when a hiatus hernia pushes through the diaphragm and causes acid reflux.

Hernia cases which are misdiagnosed or not treated correctly – or are subject to avoidable delays in treatment – are eligible for compensation.

Hernias which result from work-related injury caused by employer negligence or failures in risk assessment – or as a result of an accident caused by someone else’s negligence or a surgical error – are also eligible for hernia compensation.

How much Hernia Compensation can I Claim?

Claims for Hernia Compensation include:

• General Damages for pain, suffering and loss of amenity
  The exact amount will be assessed according to the extent of injury, estimated recovery time and rehabilitation needed.
• Special Damages to cover medical fees and out-of-pocket expenses
  Expenses might include physiotherapy, loss of earnings, travel expenses to hospital. Ongoing care, loss of future salary and pension would be included if appropriate.

Who pays Compensation in Hernia Claims?

If you sustained a hernia as a result of a work accident or injury, it is your employer’s insurer who will pay compensation – or the insurer of the party which caused the hernia injury, such as a motorist who caused a road traffic accident resulting in a hernia.

Will I have to go to court to claim compensation?

Your Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitor will keep you fully informed at all stages of the case.

Most hernia compensation claims are settled out-of-court – Duncan Lewis personal injury lawyers negotiate hard to get the best settlement for you.

But if a court hearing is necessary, Duncan Lewis instructs leading barristers who specialise in personal injury cases, to make sure you have the best legal representation possible.

Hernia compensation paid to minors has to be approved at an Infant Settlement Hearing at the local County Court – the child and their “Litigation Friend” (usually a parent or guardian) have to attend this hearing.

Why Duncan Lewis is the best solicitor for Hernia Compensation Claims

• Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors understand just how debilitating hernia injuries can be – we believe in putting you first to obtain the best results for you
• Duncan Lewis is one of the leading firms of Personal Injury and Legal Aid solicitors in the UK
• Our initial advice on making a claim for hernia compensation is free
• Duncan Lewis accepts hernia compensation claims on a no win no fee basis, so you will not have to worry about legal fees
• We will visit you at home if you are recovering from serious hernia injuries or surgery – and can arrange expert medical opinions to help back up your claim
• Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors will make sure you understand every stage of your hernia compensation claim
• We will handle negotiations for you, so you do not have to worry while you are recovering from your injury or hernia surgery.

Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors have a successful track record in personal injury and medical negligence claims.

Contact Duncan Lewis for free advice on making a hernia compensation claim by calling 020 7923 4020.