Understanding orthopaedic injuries in medical negligence cases

When we put our trust in medical professionals to treat orthopaedic injuries, we expect to receive the right diagnosis, treatment and care. Unfortunately, mistakes occasionally happen. Orthopaedic negligence can lead to prolonged pain and further medical complications. In this blog, we explore what orthopaedic injuries are, how they occur and the impact they can have.

What is an orthopaedic injury?

An orthopaedic injury is any damage to the musculoskeletal system, including bones, tendons, ligaments, tissue, cartilage and muscles. These kinds of injury can be very painful and can sometimes affect internal organs.

How do orthopaedic injuries occur in healthcare?

Orthopaedic negligence occurs when healthcare professionals fail to meet the accepted standard of care when treating musculoskeletal conditions, leading to patient harm. This can include missed or delayed diagnosis or surgical errors during procedures. Perhaps there was incorrect treatment due to administering the wrong medication, failing to immobilise a fracture properly or inadequate post-operative care. Or, injuries can occur from post-surgery complications, such as nerve damage or negligence in managing infections.

The impact

Orthopaedic injuries can have a devastating impact on someone’s daily life. Patients may experience long-term pain and reduced quality of life. In some cases, orthopaedic negligence can result in permanent disabilities, including mobility issues or even amputation. Substandard care can also lead to longer recovery time and the need for additional treatment. Additionally, patients may be under financial stress due to missing work, the cost of further treatment and rehabilitation.

Making a claim

To make a successful claim for orthopaedic negligence, it’s crucial to demonstrate that:

The healthcare professional’s actions or inactions fell below the accepted standard of care
This substandard care directly caused or worsened the patient’s orthopaedic injury
The patient suffered harm or injury as a result.

We are here for you

It is distressing to realise that you may have suffered from substandard healthcare. Our experienced Medical Negligence team is here for you. We can work with you to investigate what happened and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

If you believe you have grounds for a claim, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team on 0330 221 8855 or email enquiries@attwaters.co.uk