The balance is being paid by the co-defendants. Kashmir Uppal, a specialist medical negligence solicitor, has been instrumental in pursuing claims on behalf of those injured by Paterson since 2010, when she was first instructed to act on behalf of one of his former patients.
Kashmir has been the lead solicitor in the Paterson case before she joined Shoosmiths as a medical negligence partner and continues to represent women treated by Paterson in the private health sector by Spire Healthcare who had been due to take their case for compensation to the High Court next month.
In its statement, Spire said the agreement was conditional on all parties agreeing, and the court approving, the terms of a formal court order which should conclude all current and known claims from patients against Spire Healthcare and its co-defendants. The order will also provide for a portion of the fund to be set aside to provide compensation for any former patient of Mr Paterson who has not yet brought a claim against Spire Healthcare and the other defendants, provided they do so prior to 30 October 2018.
Kashmir Uppal commented:
‘Paterson behaved with clear criminal intent and abused the trust of those he treated in both the NHS and the private sector and better clinical governance in both cases might have led to action being taken sooner. However welcome, no amount of money will ever heal the physical and mental scars inflicted on our clients but they are relieved that they have finally won their battle for justice.’
Despite Paterson being convicted earlier this year and despite his crimes taking place in their hospitals, Spire had consistently denied any responsibility for his actions, arguing that he was not their employee and therefore they were not liable. As a result, his victims, such as Lesley Cuthbert, faced a long wait and uncertainty about whether they would be compensated for the pain he caused them.
Kashmir added:
‘I am pleased that Spire has finally agreed to settle these cases without the trauma of yet another trial and it is right that they have made a material contribution to the settlement announced today. I hope this settlement will send a message to other private healthcare providers. It is now crucial that all the managerial failings, which allowed Paterson to do what he did for so long, are addressed to reassure the public that something like this can never happen again.’
Pictured above: Kashmir Uppal, medical negligence partner at Shoosmiths.
Ends
For further information or broadcast quality versions of the video please contact:
Allan Bisset, Shoosmiths
T : 03700 866736
E : [email protected]
Additional Media Coverage for Shoosmiths on Ian Paterson
- Solihull Observer - £37m compensation fund to victims of 'butcher' breast surgeon Ian Paterson 'not good enough'
- Birmingham Mail - Firm sets up damages fund for victims of rogue surgeon Ian Paterson
- ITV News - Kashmir Uppal Interviewed on Central ITV News 13 September 2017
- BBC News - Shoosmiths Kashmir Uppal on Paduano BBC Midlands 13 September 2017
- ITV News at Ten - Shoosmiths Kashmir Uppal on ITV News at Ten 13 September 2017
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is recommended that specific professional advice is sought before acting on any of the information given. © Shoosmiths LLP 2024
