Missed Rib Fracture Claims

Top 5 FAQs About Medical Negligence Claims

Timely diagnosis is critical for most injuries including rib fractures and if your care fell below the required standard, find out more here about missed fracture claims. Also accuracy in diagnosis is essential. So along with the time factor, delayed or misdiagnosis of an injury can lead to critical consequences.

While a missed rib fracture may not sound serious, if there are underlying conditions or trauma-related injuries, a failure to diagnose and treat a rib fracture rapidly can result in complications. This may include lung damage, pneumonia and chronic pain.

However, if your missed diagnosis which resulted in harm directly linked to a poor standard of care, you may be eligible to claim compensation. If you’ve suffered in this way and are unsure as to whether medical negligence played a part, Jefferies Claims can help.

We partner with lawyers who are highly experienced in medical negligence and who offer a ‘No Win, No Fee’ arrangement. For a free, no-obligation consultation, simply get in touch with our team

 

What is a Missed Rib Fracture?

A rib fracture is a break or crack in one of the bones of the ribcage. These injuries are often caused by sudden trauma, for example road traffic accidents, falls, or sports injuries. Common symptoms include:

• Sharp chest pain, especially when breathing deeply
• Tenderness at the site of the injury
• Difficulty breathing
• Bruising or swelling

Due to the structure of the ribcage and the organs it protects, failing to detect a fracture may lead to complications like punctured lungs, internal bleeding, or infections like pneumonia. In elderly or vulnerable patients, these complications can become particularly serious.

 

How Do Missed Rib Fractures Happen?

Medical professionals, including GPs, A&E doctors, and radiologists, are trained to assess trauma and perform appropriate investigations to a certain standard. This includes physical examinations, X-rays, or CT scans. However, missed rib fractures can occur due to factors such as:

• Failure to order appropriate imaging (e.g., assuming pain is muscular without scanning)
• Misreading X-ray or CT scan results
• Inadequate physical examination
• Poor communication between healthcare providers

When a fracture is missed, the patient may be discharged without proper pain relief, breathing advice, or follow-up care. This may possibly result in a worsened outcome.

 

When To Bring Missed Rib Fracture Claims

To bring a successful medical negligence claim, you should be able to show that:

1. Duty of care – The healthcare provider had a legal responsibility to care for you.
2. Breach of duty – They failed to meet the standard of a reasonable medical professional.
3. Causation – This failure directly caused avoidable harm, for example complications or delayed healing.

Therefore, if a competent doctor would have ordered scans or made a diagnosis that your actual doctor failed to do which resulted in you suffering more than you otherwise would have, you may have a valid claim.

 

Compensation for Missed Rib Fractures

Compensation in medical negligence cases typically cover the following in two categories:

• General damages – For pain, suffering, and loss of amenity
• Special damages – For expenses, such as travel, prescriptions, or loss of earnings
• Future care costs – If ongoing treatment or rehabilitation is required

Amounts vary depending on the severity of your injury, recovery time, and the overall impact on your life. The aim of compensation is to put your life back (as much as possible) to what it would have been prior to the accident.

 

Your First Steps to Making a Claim

Medical attention: First and foremost, ensure your health and wellbeing are prioritised. If a missed diagnosis has caused complications, get a second opinion or emergency treatment.

Gather evidence: This includes obtaining medical records, witness statements, photographs, and any communication with the hospital or GP. You will have to show that the standard of care fell below what’s reasonably expected, causing you harm.

Find a specialist solicitor: Medical negligence claims are complex. A solicitor can review your case, consult with independent medical experts, and advise whether you have a viable claim.

Most solicitors work on a No Win, No Fee basis, meaning you won’t pay legal costs unless your claim is successful.

 

The Top 5 FAQs About Medical Negligence Claims

1. How long do I have to make a claim?

You usually have three years from the date of the negligence or when you became aware of it. For children, the clock only starts ticking at age 18.

Also, for those lacking mental capacity, the time limit may not apply. You can file a claim whether your treatment was carried out in a public or private healthcare setting.

2. Can I claim on behalf of someone else?

You may be able to claim on behalf of:

• A child under the age of 18.
• A person lacking the mental capacity to handle their own legal affairs (e.g. due to brain injury, dementia).
• The injured person has passed away and you are a personal representative of their estate.

You will need to make decisions in the best interests of the person you’re representing. Your solicitor can help set this up if needed.

You are entitled to claim if the standard of care fell below what’s reasonably expected, causing you harm.

3. Do I need to go to court to win my case?

Not usually, as most medical negligence claims in are resolved through settlement negotiations without going to court.

However, if your claim is disputed or involves a large amount of compensation, it may proceed to court. Even then, many cases settle before the trial date. Your solicitor will guide you through the process and represent you throughout.

4. What evidence do I need?

Your solicitor will obtain and review your medical records, arrange independent expert reports, and assess financial losses. Missed rib fractures can have serious consequences, particularly if complications like internal bleeding or pneumonia arise.

5. How much compensation could I receive?

This depends on the extent of the injury and its impact. As each injury is unique, your lawyer will be able to advise you on potential compensation regarding your claim.

 

Need Help?

Missed rib fracture claims can be complicated, and a solicitor will have the necessary experience to help you build a strong case.

You should be able to show the direct link between the negligence by a healthcare provider and that the delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis which led to a worsening health outcome/

Jefferies Claims can guide you through the process of how to claim compensation. We work with highly experienced lawyers in this field who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis. We will give you the support and understanding you need at this difficult time. Call us at 0333 358 3034 for a free no-obligation chat or visit Jefferies Claims Contact Us Page

 

This article provides general legal information and should not be construed as legal or medical advice. In all instances you should always consult with a medical professional around life expectancy questions.