Court Usher Wins Damages After Fall

A court usher who went blind in one eye has been awarded £160,000 after his GP failed to spot the signs of glaucoma.

Ron Priestley's ordeal started in October 2010, when he fell from a faulty seat at Tameside Magistrate's Court. Following the fall, Mr Priestley suffered blurred vision, headaches, and pain around his eyes.

The 74-year-old visited Dr Quang Nguyen at the Highlands Surgery in Ashton four times in three weeks, but was repeatedly told he had conjunctivitis and was prescribed only eye drops and ointment.

Eventually, Mr Priestley was referred to the Royal Oldham Hospital's eye clinic where he was diagnosed with acute angle-closure glaucoma which had been triggered by his fall. The condition develops quickly and causes vision to worsen over time, so early diagnosis is vital.

Charlotte Moore, the clinical negligence specialist who represented Mr Priestley, said:

"An earlier referral to an eye specialist would have saved Mr Priestley's sight, but unfortunately he now has to live with the devastating consequences of his GP's mistake.

"While nothing can change that, it is of some comfort that he has now got justice and the means to make life a little more comfortable in the future."

The Ministry of Justice also paid a further £4,000 for failing to repair the faulty seat which led to his fall.

If you think your health has suffered due to the failings of a healthcare professional, speak to our specialist medical negligence solicitors today. Call us on 0845 603 0708.

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