Five-figure settlement after hospital administers wrong injection

Amanda Cavanagh has achieved a five-figure settlement for Mr F, who was administered the wrong injection in A&E.

Mr F attended A&E on 12 September 2023 with urethral bleeding following self-catheterisation and was admitted for monitoring. That evening, he was administered two injections of Degarelix, a hormone therapy drug for advanced prostate cancer, in error. Mr F had queried the injections but was incorrectly informed they may be cancer-related and, relying on this, consented to treatment.

The error was identified the following day by a Consultant Urological Surgeon, and Mr F was informed, apologised to, and advised regarding potential side effects, expected to last approximately 28 days.

Unfortunately, Mr F experienced immediate and ongoing adverse effects, including fatigue, hot flushes, mood disturbance, loss of libido, breast swelling, testicular shrinkage, and night sweats.

Despite reassurances that symptoms would resolve within weeks, he continued to suffer prolonged effects, requiring repeated GP attendances (over 24 consultations) and support from cardiac rehabilitation services due to associated low mood and emotional distress. The hormone effects have now subsided, but Mr F continues to suffer from anxiety and low mood.

The Trust did not make any admissions as to liability but was open to negotiating a settlement. Mr F’s claim settled in May 2026.

Amanda Cavanagh, Associate at Ashtons Legal LLP, comments: “What should have been a straightforward attendance at A&E ended up causing Mr F unnecessary and upsetting side effects, which lasted over a prolonged period. This is a clear case of overworked doctors not checking prescriptions and nurses, despite being challenged, not questioning their instructions. Had they done so, Mr F would have avoided this entire painful and distressing period”.

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