Orthopaedics compensation claims
If you have suffered as a result of negligent orthopaedic treatment, you may be able to make a medical negligence compensation claim.
- Information about orthopaedics claims
- How much can I claim?
- What can I claim compensation for?
- Making a claim for compensation
Orthopaedic refers to the bones, muscles and joints of the human body.
The types of work involved commonly include:
- Surgery on the shoulders, elbows and hands
- Joint reconstruction
- Dealing with broken bones and fractures
- Hip and knee replacements
- Pediatric orthopaedics
- Foot and ankle surgery
- Spinal surgery
- Sports injury surgery
Doctors who specialise in treating the bones, joints and muscles of the body successfully treat thousands of patients each year; however, in some cases mistakes can be made. Some patients are examined and sometimes x-rayed but then mistakenly discharged home; often with a diagnosis of a minor condition such as a sprain and given some pain killers.
Medical negligence affects one out of ten of NSH patients. Some of the common areas where medical negligence can arise in relation to orthopaedics include:
- Damage to nerves during medical procedures or surgery
- Damage to circulation
- Misinterpretation of x-rays and other test results
- Inadequate cleaning or dressing of wounds
- Delayed or inaccurate diagnosis
- Poor treatment of fractures
- Undiagnosed scaphoid fracture
- Poor operative technique
If you think you may be able to claim, contact a specialist medical negligence solicitor who will discuss the circumstances of your injury and offer advice on the strength of your claim.
How much can I claim?
A number of factors will determine the value of your settlement:
- The type of injury and how severe the injury is
- Did you recover fully from the injury or do you have ongoing problems
- What are the long term effects on your health
- Did the injury cause you other losses such as loss of earnings
What can I claim compensation for?
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of earnings
- The loss of comfort/convenience/quality of life caused by your injury
- Medical care costs
- Costs involved in adapting your home to meet your new requirements as a result of your injury
- Other out of pocket expenses incurred whilst receiving medical treatment, such as travel expenses
Making a claim for compensation
A specialist medical negligence solicitor can assess your case and inform you about:
- How strong your case is
- The likelyhood of making a successful claim
- The amount of compensation you may receive if your claim is successful
- Pursue a claim on your behalf