“Substantial” damages for family of dad who died during routine knee op - Mirror.co.uk

The family of a man who died when a surgeon used experimental equipment during a routine knee operation received "substantial" damages today.

Luigi Belcuore, 43, died on the operating table after a spray gun used to close the wound caused a bubble of air to enter blood vessels. The embolism stopped his heart.

Dad-of-three Mr Belcuore, of Morton Bagot, Warwickshire, was undergoing surgery to examine and treat knee cartilage in 2009. He had agreed to a stem cell trial.

But Prof James Richardson was not authorised to use the adapted spray gun at Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Hospital, Oswestry, Shropshire.

The hospital accepted liability. A High Court judge approved the undisclosed payout, thought to involve millions of pounds.

Mr Belcuore's widow Penny, 36, said: "It's incredibly hard knowing that our two daughters and son will grow up without their dad.

"I am relieved today is over and it's finally come to an end. It's been a long slog."

A spokesman for hospital trust said: "We are pleased that settlement has been agreed with Mrs Belcuore, the widow of the late Luigi Belcuore.

"Mr Belcuore died at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Hospital on October 20, 2009 during a routine knee arthroscopy.

"The Trust made an early admission of liability and the parties lawyers have been working together to achieve settlement for Mrs Belcuore and her children which has now been approved by the court.

"The Trust deeply regrets the tragic loss of Mr Belcuore's life and offers its sincere apologies to Mrs Belcuore and her family and would like to wish them well for the future."