Bone of Contention – Orthopaedic Claims

Here at Oakwood Solicitors, our Medical Negligence team has dealt with a number of orthopaedic claims. It is not surprising really, when you learn that on average every person will experience two broken bones over the course of a lifetime.

Who can be held responsible?

Orthopaedic claims can be brought against a GP, NHS hospital, private hospital or private treating clinician including physiotherapists because of many different reasons and the facts of each and every claim is unique to that case.

Nonetheless, the most common reasons for pursuing an orthopaedic claim include:

1) A delay in diagnosing and/or referring an individual with an orthopaedic issue, which could involve a:

• Fractured bone
• Tendon rupture
• Ligament tear
• Cauda equina syndrome
• Sarcoma
• Dislocation

2) Intra-operative complications during an orthopedic surgery, including:

• Sustaining a chemical or diathermy burn during the surgery
• Intraoperative fractures
• Perforation or puncture injuries
• Poor technique causing injury
• Foreign bodies being left in the body post procedure

3) Post-operative complications after an orthopedic surgery, including:

• Nerve damage
• Nonunion of the fracture caused by poor surgical technique or delays
• The need for further surgery
• Poor wound management post operatively potentially leading to a post-operative wound infection

4) Issues relating to consenting to a procedure.

This includes but is not limited to a failure in informing of the risk of a worsened outcome or long-term damage, including nerve damage following surgery.

How long do I have to make a claim?

You have three years from the date the negligence occurred or the date you became aware negligence had occurred to bring about a claim, so do not delay.

What should I do if I suspect I have experienced negligent treatment?

Call Oakwood Solicitors today on 0113 200 9787 and ask for the Clinical Negligence team. Upon calling, the team will advise whether they can assist further and if they can, they will explain to you what the next steps will entail.

Why choose Oakwood Solicitors Ltd to escalate your claim?

We have a dedicated team of solicitors and paralegals who have many years’ experience between them in running cases of this nature. They are highly trained to deal with all aspects of clinical and medical negligence.

Oakwood Solicitors Ltd wishes to ensure that clients are not overwhelmed by legal jargon or medical terms that they don’t understand and aims to allow the claims procedure to be as transparent as possible.

Further reading

More information and answers to many questions common questions regarding orthopaedic Medical Negligence claims can be found here in our website resources.

WHAT TO DO NEXT

Get in touch today for a consultation in complete confidence. Choose one of the methods on the right-hand side of this page, or call us on 0113 200 9787 to find out how we can help you.