Rs 76 lakh compensation slapped on 6 Doctors, hospital for medical negligence

The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Thanjavur, recently directed a Tambaram-based private hospital and its six doctors (including an orthopaedic surgeon, a surgeon, 3 Anaesthetists, and a plastic surgeon) to pay Rs 76 lakh compensation to a patient, who became disabled after undergoing treatment at the hospital.

After undergoing six surgeries at the hospital, the complainant/patient was diagnosed with a compartment syndrome and foot drop. The complainant became 50% disabled, requiring the assistance of a round-the-clock attendant.

The history of the case goes back to 2022, when, after meeting with a two-wheeler accident, the complainant was diagnosed with a fracture in his right knee. On the same day i.e. 15.09.2022, the complainant was admitted to Kasthuri Hospital, Thambaram. The doctors diagnosed a normal ECG, a normal Doppler study of the right lower limb arteries, no evidence of stenosis in the arteries, and right lower limb no deep vein thrombosis. After assessing the complainant, the treating doctor- an orthopaedic surgeon, found no signs of compartment syndrome.