The disgraced breast surgeon Ian Paterson is one of the most infamous medical practitioners in the UK. After practicing at public and private hospitals for many years, it was revealed that Paterson had reportedly been performing unnecessary or incomplete breast surgery on many patients. Gradually, more and more of Paterson’s former patients were contacted in relation to the potentially dangerous treatment and surgery they underwent at his hands. Now, it has been reported that a further 5,500 victims could be eligible to engage in the Ian Paterson compensation claims process.
Following a criminal case, Ian Paterson was reportedly found guilty on 17 counts of wounding with intent, plus a further 3 counts of wounding, for which he was sentenced to 20 years. His actions may have harmed thousands of patients, and it is concerning that he was able to get away with such dangerous treatment for so long.
As specialists in personal injury and medical negligence claims, we want to help those who were harmed by Ian Paterson to achieve the justice that they deserve. The traumatic procedures he subjected them to cannot always be reversed, but the hospitals who allowed such a doctor to continue practising can – and must – be held accountable.
Ian Paterson’s mistreatment of patients
Ian Paterson practised in public and private hospitals from the 1990s onwards, including at two Spire Healthcare hospitals in the West Midlands, where thousands of patients are thought to have been potentially harmed. Over the course of his career as a breast surgeon, Ian Paterson severely abused the trust of some of his patients. In some cases, he reportedly exaggerated or fabricated cancer risks and performed completely unnecessary breast surgery. In other cases, he performed incomplete “cleavage-sparing” mastectomies on patients, an unapproved form of treatment that could put patients at risk of their breast cancer returning.
It appears that the hospitals involved may have ignored or disregarded certain warning signs. Concerns were reportedly raised as early as 2003, and investigations into Paterson began, but it was not until 2011 that he was finally dismissed.
In an attempt to right the wrongs, the 5,500 patients who have been recalled since the completion of the independent inquiry could now be eligible to engage in the Ian Paterson compensation claims process.
Ian Paterson compensation claims – your chance to access justice
Ian Paterson compensation claims are now open to potentially thousands more who may be affected former patients of his. Using our medical negligence expertise, we can help claimants to recover compensation for any pain, injury, distress, and financial losses or expenses caused by Paterson’s mistreatment.
In cases such as these, where women may have been intentionally wounded, the compensation pay-outs could be significant. The impact may have been even more severe for any patients whose cancer might have returned as a result of Paterson’s “incomplete mastectomies”, so the awards could be even higher in such cases.
Make your claim with expert lawyers
Ten years have passed since the surgeon’s fall from grace began, but those affected can still have a chance to pursue damages in the Ian Paterson compensation claims action.
Having worked in the field of medical negligence for many years, we offer expert advice and representation to all our clients, using our knowledge of this area of law to maximise compensation pay-outs. You can contact us for a free, no-obligation discussion of your potential No Win, No Fee claim today.
