South West mum sues paramedics after having fingers amputated

A South West mother is taking legal action against paramedics after a dog bite led to the partial amputation of her fingers and thumbs due to sepsis. Michelle Ellis, aged 45, from Plymouth in Devon, claims that medical staff advised her to remain at home and take paracetamol after she was bitten by the family pet, resulting in "flu-like symptoms" within two days, which prompted her to summon an ambulance.

Upon their arrival, Ms Ellis presented the paramedics with her bruised and mottled skin, while also suffering from high temperature, breathlessness, and shivering. Despite her symptoms, it is alleged that the South Western Ambulance Service paramedics chose not to transport Ms Ellis to the hospital. Instead, they reportedly suggested she should undress, cover up with a sheet, use a fan to cool down, and take paracetamol for the pain.

Her condition deteriorated rapidly, necessitating an emergency admission to Derriford Hospital, where she suffered multi-organ failure, was placed into a coma, resuscitated several times, and was diagnosed with severe sepsis. The severity of her condition led to the partial amputation of her digits and an emergency tracheostomy to aid her breathing, as reports Plymouth Live.

Read More - Burnham-on-Sea man proposes to girlfriend with help from lifeboat crew

Read More - Teacher left baby brain damaged when he shook infant

Ms Ellis has initiated a lawsuit against South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT), seeking damages in excess of £200,000. Her legal team alleges that the paramedics' negligence has resulted in severe and lasting consequences.

A spokesperson for South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust issued a statement saying: "It would be inappropriate for us to comment at this stage."

Legal documents seen by MailOnline reveal her lawyers' claim: "The claimant's (Ms Ellis) injuries were caused or materially contributed to by the negligence of the Defendant (SWASFT), its servants or agents in the mismanagement of the Claimant's treatment."

The papers further assert: "Each of the paramedics and other clinical staff employed by the Defendant owed to the Claimant a duty of care in respect of the clinical advice, actions and treatment provided by them. The Defendant is vicariously liable for any breach of such duty."

Additionally, Ms Ellis's representation contends that when she was finally admitted to the hospital, the dog bite marks were evident and noted in her medical records. They argue in the court filings: "They must, therefore, have been visible when paramedics attended the Claimant between 23.08 on 15 January 2021 and 00.23h the following day."

The legal documents also state that Ms Ellis now suffers from an inability to fully utilise her hands and experiences pain in her fingers.

The mum has reportedly developed PTSD and depression in the aftermath of the harrowing experience. Legal documents reveal: "She has been left with significant cosmetic defects and significant loss of function in her hands which will be permanent. She also experiences pain and sensitivity in the tips of her index fingers which will probably improve but, if it does not, will require further surgery."