Orthopedic negligence: £75,000 damages for ongoing injuries
Peter fell on his left, non-dominant arm. He attended the A&E Department of the hospital. A fracture of the left humerus was diagnosed. The arm was immobilised in a sling. Peter was discharged home for follow-up at the fracture clinic.
Later, he was advised to undergo surgery for intramedullary nailing of the fracture. Pre-operatively it was noted that his radial nerve was normal.
During the surgery the surgeon used too much force and inserted too big a nail which caused the fracture to extend. In addition, the radial nerve was cut.
But for the mistakes, Peter would have recovered within about twelve weeks. Instead, he had radial nerve palsy and required further surgery (which involved nerve and tendon transfers). In addition, his wrist was surgically fused and he remains in permanent pain in his left elbow with reduction of range and movement.
Samantha Critchley obtained medical evidence from a consultant orthopaedic surgeon and a consultant psychiatrist. We argued that Peter had lost any chance of a return to work because of the negligence.
Proceedings were served. The defence made some admissions of liability but argued that Peter was contributorily negligent.
The case was listed for trial.
After negotiations, Samantha secured a settlement in Peter’s favour for £75,000.
Contact us
For further information about orthopaedic negligence claims and clinical negligence claims, please call Samantha Critchley on 03304606812 or email samantha.critchley@fieldfisher.com.
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