Our inaugural Wine and Negligence seminar was hosted at our South Yarra conference suite, with Mr Thomas Kossmann speaking on Compartment Syndrome. We had over 30 attendees joining Lex Medicus from a diverse range of law firms, insurance companies and medical specialities.
Mr Kossmann’s discussion included the definition, diagnosis, management, case studies and negligence claims in relation to Compartment Syndrome. The seminar stimulated a robust discussion by lawyers and medical experts on the case studies, current medical advancements and possible aspects of negligence claims.
Wine and negligence seminar
We were delighted to have so many of our valued clients celebrate the opening of our seminar room specially built to host regular seminars at our South Yarra headquarters. Our guests had the opportunity to meet the Lex Medicus team and get to know some of our many medical consultants from a variety of specialities. A one-on-one demonstration of our booking and file management software, Lex Medicus Online (LMO) was provided by our dedicated staff. To conclude the event, our guests were offered a presentation by our Sommelier James Ahearn on a selected range of fine French wines followed by a casual wine tasting and delicious gourmet foods.
Charity partner
The event was hosted in support of Cancer Council Victoria and thanks to the generosity of those who attended, we well surpassed our fundraising goal for the evening. All donations went directly to supporting the work of this worthy organisation.
Compartment Syndrome
Compartment Syndrome consists of the elevation of interstitial pressure within a closed compartment of the human body that results in microvascular compromise and tissue ischaemia.
The human body is divided into the following compartments:
- Head
- Chest
- Heart
- Abdomen
- Extremities
Increasing pressure occurs in the compartments with the accumulation of fluid trapped into the tissues.
Early diagnosis is critical as the condition progresses rapidly, potentially becoming irreversible and fatal. Patients should be clinically assessed in cases of traumatic injuries, radius fracture, tibia fracture, high energy fracture, or when the subject is not alert, unreliable and in instances of multiple trauma. Following diagnosis, patients should be treated promptly and treated effectively.
Signs of Compartment Syndrome
Signs of Compartment Syndrome include massive swelling of the extremity, tightness of compartment/s, inappropriate pain, severe pain at rest and increasing pain when stretching. Late signs include absent pulses, loss of sensation, paralysis and sudden lack of pain and development of skin demarcation.
Complications of Compartment Syndrome
Complications of Compartment Syndrome may involve infection, neurovascular injury, functional deficit, myonecrosis (death of muscle tissue), Ischemic Volkmann Contracture (permanent flexion of the hand at the wrist, causing a claw-like deformity), amputation and myoglobinuria (excretion of myoglobulin in the urine), which may cause renal failure and death.
If you believe your client may have a possible negligence claim in relation to Compartment Syndrome, Lex Medicus are able to provide high quality, informed medico-legal examinations and reports. Please contact our office to make an appointment.