£500,000 for girl whose hip dysplasia was missed at birth
Will Jones successfully settled a claim on behalf of a young girl after medical staff at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust failed to arrange a scan of her hips shortly after birth despite having an increased risk for hip dysplasia. Cora* had been in the breech position during the latter stages of pregnancy – a well-known red flag for hip dysplasia – but no scan was arranged.
Cora* was born prematurely via emergency C-section after a significant drop in her heart rate. She recovered well in the neonatal unit at John Radcliffe Hospital and was described by her mother as a happy and developmentally advanced baby.
However, when Cora began crawling, her mother noticed that her hips looked different compared to her other children at the same age, and she was unable to pull herself up to stand. At 10 months old, Cora was taken to the GP, who immediately recognised signs of hip dysplasia.
An X-ray confirmed left-sided hip dysplasia, and Cora underwent an open reduction at Wexham Hospital, followed by three months in a post-operative cast.
The following year, concerns were raised during an orthopaedic review about the development of her hip joint. Although an arthrogram suggested further surgery might help, the consultant orthopaedic surgeon opted for a “wait and see” approach.
At a subsequent review the following year, Cora’s parents were again told that no surgical intervention was needed at that time. Concerned about the lack of treatment and its potential long-term impact, especially with Cora soon starting school and they sought a second opinion.
A consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Spire Bushey Hospital recommended immediate surgery. Cora underwent a successful pelvic osteotomy, and the following month her spica cast and K-wires were removed.
Now in primary school, Cora is independently mobile and enjoys being active and playing sports. However, Cora will likely have difficulties with her hip in later life and will suffer with premature arthritis and require hip replacement surgeries in adulthood.
Will was instructed in a medical negligence claim against Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust. He built a strong case supported by expert witness evidence, and the claim was successfully settled. The £500,000 in damages will help fund any future surgeries, therapies, or adaptations Cora may require.
After the settlement, Cora's mother said: "Will and his team have been amazing since my first phone call asking for advice. They saw us through the whole process with updates throughout. Will has always maintained contact, been straight with me and worked hard to get our positive final result. Thank you Fieldfisher."
*name changed
Contact us
For further information about hip dysplasia claims, please call Will Jones on 0330 460 6822 or email will.jones@fieldfisher.com.
Alternatively
- You can speak to our medical negligence solicitors on freephone 0800 358 3848
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All enquiries are completely free of charge and we will investigate all funding options for you including no win no fee. Find out more about no win no fee claims.
