An orthopaedic procedure is a treatment involving the musculoskeletal system. This means bones and joints, muscles, ligaments, cartilage and tendons. Orthopaedic damage can therefore cover a wide spectrum of injuries.
An orthopaedic surgeon will specialise in a wide range of surgeries, from joint replacements to fixing fractures, and technology and techniques in this area have advanced significantly in the last twenty years.
The majority of these surgeries are performed without complications; however, there are occasions where things do not go to plan. Unfortunately, this can lead to major, life-changing consequences for the patient.
Here at Medical Negligence Solutions, we are experienced in dealing with all types of orthopaedic injury claims.
What is considered negligent orthopaedic treatment?
A large number of orthopaedic injuries occur as a result of a trip, slip or fall. It is when the injuries suffered are not spotted, or there is a delay in diagnosing them or they are not treated appropriately that additional damage can be sustained. It is then that a claim for orthopaedic negligence may exist.
Orthopaedic surgeons do not work in isolation; they rely upon the assistance of radiologists to assess scans and imaging and claims for orthopaedic injury can arise from radiological mistakes as well as from surgical or other treatment errors.
These mistakes can lead to further surgery being required or to an incomplete recovery.
Examples of orthopaedic or radiological negligence include:
- Missed fractures
- Delayed diagnosis of fractures, damaged tendons or ligaments
- Delay in performing surgery
- Bone infections
- Incorrect placement of, or wrong sized, pins or screws
- Failure to correctly reduce fractures
- Wrong limb or wrong level amputations
- Nerve damage
- Poor plaster cast application
Expert solicitors in orthopaedic claims
We deal with claims involving all types of orthopaedic or radiological mistakes, from failures to obtain imaging at all (leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment), failures to spot fractures on x-ray (leading to incorrect treatment) and mismanagement of spinal abscess, or of compartment syndrome, (leading to significant and permanent consequences for the patients concerned).
The vast majority of our cases are dealt with on a no-win no-fee basis, meaning that if your claim is unsuccessful, you do not have to pay legal fees.
If you are unsure as to whether you can claim compensation for an orthopaedic mistake, the best thing you can do is speak to us. When we know the circumstances of your case, we can advise you further.
