Orthopaedic claims

Medical negligence during orthopaedic surgery and treatment can be life changing. Find out from one of our specialist solicitors whether you have an orthopaedic claim.

Sarah Stocker, Cambridge
Sarah Stocker, medical negligence specialist in Cambridge

Orthopaedic claims: Expert medical negligence solicitors

Orthopaedic medicine treats problems that occur in the bones, muscles, ligaments or joints. Common procedures include knee or hip replacements, surgery to repair fractures or broken bones and spinal treatments or surgery. Sometimes diagnosing the problem, identifying the best course of treatment, or carrying out orthopaedic surgery goes wrong which can lead to an orthopaedic claim. Sub-standard orthopaedic treatment can be devastating both physically and emotionally. You may have lasting symptoms, require ongoing treatment or need additional surgery in the future. 

We take the time to understand how your treatment has affected you, your family and your income; what your future needs are, whether treatment, care, specialist equipment and so on are needed; and how much it will cost.

No win, no fee

We work on a no win, no fee basis, so there’s no need to worry about costs. Plus, our specialist solicitors provide an initial free assessment of your orthopaedic claim.

Examples of orthopaedic claims

 Occasionally, orthopaedic treatment goes wrong.  Some of the most common cases include delayed diagnosis of fractures and negligently performed hip replacement procedures.  Other examples of orthopaedic claims include: 

  • incorrectly reporting scans such as X-rays or CT scan, or failing to follow up an injury identified on a scan;
  • delays or not diagnosing fractures, broken bones or soft tissue, ligament and tendon injuries
  • missed fractures of the scaphoid bone
  • identifying hip fractures in the elderly
  • poor management of shoulder injuries
  • not fully advising on diagnosis, prognosis, risks, benefits and treatment options 
  • operating on the wrong part of the body (wrong site surgery)
  • performing the wrong operation
  • errors during joint surgery and reconstruction such as hip replacements and knee replacements, for example, using the wrong implant or prosthesis or not fitting it correctly
  • incompetent surgery leading to a poor outcome or the need for revision surgery 
  • sub-standard follow-up care, including failing to treat post-operative infection 
  • pressure sores
  • wrongful discharge.
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How an orthopaedic claim can help

An orthopaedic compensation claim can help you and your family move forward. It can provide closure about what happened, and the practical and financial support you deserve.

Orthopaedic injuries can have a significant impact and affect many aspects of your life. For example, you may suffer poor mobility, have chronic pain, or be unable to return to work.  An orthopaedic claim can provide financial security, as well as funding for any care requirements or treatment you need. Above all, it means you can focus on getting better.

Call for a FREE initial consultation on 0800 013 1165

We’re here to help

Contact us to arrange a free, confidential, no obligation chat and we will let you know how we can help. We can also visit you at home if you wish.

Our medical negligence lawyers are based in:

  • Cambridgeshire: Cambridge
  • Essex: Brentwood, Chelmsford and Saffron Walden
  • Hertfordshire: Bishop's Stortford and Royston

But we can help you wherever you are in England and Wales.

Orthopaedic claims FAQs

What are the common causes of negligence during hip surgery?

Although many operations are performed successfully, mistakes can occur. Common examples of negligence associated with hip surgery include:

  • Incorrectly aligned implants – usually involving a component being placed at the wrong angle. This can result in excessive wear of the hip device which could become loose or dislocated
  • Incorrectly sized implants – this can lead to problems with stability
  • Defective implants – if this is due to poor design, the claim may be against the manufacturer
  • Nerve damage – the femoral nerve (and others) are at risk of damage during surgical procedures
  • Pre-operative planning – surgeons can and should be preparing thoroughly prior to any hip surgery. Many hip surgeries are unsuccessful due to poor planning.  
What are the common causes of negligence during knee replacement surgery?

Knee surgery involves bone and cartilage being removed from the patient’s knee and being substituted with organic or man-made components.

Although many operations are performed successfully, mistakes can occur. Common examples of negligence associated with knee replacement surgery include:

  • ·        Use of the incorrect component
  • Nerve injury – nerves above and below the knee are vulnerable to injury during surgery. The peroneal nerve is especially vulnerable and damage to this nerve can lead to continuous pain and mobility loss.  
  • Vein or artery damage – if not noticed, this can have extremely serious consequences
  • Infection 

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