Brain Surgeon Sues NHS Trust for Over £200,000 After Lift Plunge
A neurosurgeon who "thought he was going to die" when a malfunctioning hospital lift suddenly dropped four floors with him inside is suing his former employer for more than £200,000 in compensation. Dr Steven Tominey, a specialist in neurosurgery, was working at the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel, east London, in March 2024 when the traumatic incident occurred, leaving him with severe physical and psychological injuries.
Traumatic Incident and Immediate Aftermath
According to court documents filed at London's High Court, the accident happened during a night shift on 15 March 2024. Dr Tominey entered the elevator alone on the 12th floor at approximately 7am to 7.30am. The elevator began shaking violently before plummeting approximately four floors, with its brakes activating abruptly around the 8th floor.
The sudden stop caused Dr Tominey's left leg to bear the full impact of his weight, resulting in immediate and severe pain. Despite his injuries, he managed to drag himself to the emergency buzzer to communicate with hospital staff via intercom. A rescue team from the lift company arrived within 5-10 minutes, extracting him from the elevator and transporting him directly to the Accident and Emergency Department in a wheelchair.
Severe Injuries and Medical Treatment
Medical examinations at the hospital revealed devastating injuries:
- Left tibial plateau fracture
- Left fibula head fracture
Dr Tominey underwent immediate surgery, but his knee failed to set properly, necessitating a second operation to shorten one of his legs. The neurosurgeon now suffers from a permanent limp, ongoing pain, and difficulty standing for extended periods—a significant impairment for a medical professional who must often remain on his feet during lengthy surgical procedures.
Psychological Impact and Career Consequences
The psychological trauma has been equally severe. Dr Tominey developed depression and required eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy, a specialized treatment designed for PTSD sufferers. His legal representatives argue that the accident has significantly impacted both his personal life and professional career.
"The defendant owed the claimant a non-delegable duty of care as his employer, including a duty to provide a safe workplace," state his lawyers, adding that it is "highly likely" his career advancement will be hindered by the lasting effects of the elevator accident.
Legal Dispute and NHS Trust Response
Barts Health NHS Trust has admitted breach of duty in the case but is contesting other aspects of the claim. The trust disputes:
- The specific details surrounding the accident's occurrence
- The causation between the accident and Dr Tominey's reported symptoms
- The amount of compensation being sought
Furthermore, the NHS trust has requested a delay in proceedings to allow for a clearer assessment of Dr Tominey's long-term recovery prospects. The trust maintains it "puts the claimant to proof as to the nature, cause, occurrence and happening of the alleged accident" while acknowledging its duty of care was breached.
Dr Tominey, who resides in Bermondsey, continues to seek justice through the legal system as he copes with the physical limitations and psychological scars from an incident that has fundamentally altered both his professional capabilities and personal wellbeing.
