Patel surgery victims to file compensation lawsuit against Queensland Health
By ANIFriday, July 9, 2010
BRISBANE - A new group of former Patel patients is considering a class action against Queensland Health and others to demand what they called fair compensation for the tragedies they had experienced at the hands of controversial Indian origin surgeon Dr. Jayant Patel.
According to a news.com.au report, about 35 people met in Bundaberg, Queensland, last night to discuss a renewed push for “fair” compensation for those who say they suffered at the hands Patel.
A steering committee has been formed and includes former Patel patients Doris Hillier and George Pauza, Brisbane barrister Greg Williams and the Member for Burnett Rob Messenger.
However, one widow of a man who died after an operation performed by Dr. Patel says a compensation lawsuit would be pure “greediness”. Judy Kemps, whose husband Gerry died after an operation, said patients had already been fairly compensated, and expressed anger that others were dragging the matter out even further.
Last week, Patel was sentenced to serve seven years’ in jail for the manslaughter of three patients and causing grievous bodily harm to a fourth.
Details about the total amount of compensation paid to Patel victims so far are confidential because two cases remain before the courts, a Queensland Health spokeswoman said this week. (ANI)
