In medical negligence cases where a patient would not have undergone a procedure but for inadequate advice, general damages must account not only for post-operative pain and recovery but also for the seriousness of the operation itself, any loss of diagnostic opportunity caused by the procedure (such as inability to undergo MRI due to implants), and the worry and trouble of seeking further treatment. Special damages are recoverable for reasonable costs of investigating remedial options following the negligently-advised procedure.
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