Compensation for a Missed Lisfranc Fracture

What You Need to Know About Clinical Negligence Claims

If you have suffered due to clinical negligence, you may be eligible to claim compensation for a missed Lisfranc Fracture. Anyone who has sustained this break, will know it is a painful injury to the midfoot. If a Lisfranc fracture is missed, it’s likely to have a negative impact on your mobility.

This injury requires early diagnosis and treatment. Typically, you have three years from the date of the negligent treatment, or when you first realised something was wrong. Even if you were treated by a private healthcare provider, you can still file a clinical negligence claim.

Clinical negligence involves a breach of duty which directly causes harm. If you suspect this may have happened to you, Jefferies Claims can advise you on what to do next.

We partner with experienced lawyers who work on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis, which means you will only pay legal fees if your claim is successful.

What Is a Lisfranc Fracture?

A Lisfranc fracture is an injury to the midfoot, where the metatarsal bones connect to the tarsal bones. This area of the foot plays a vital role in stabilising the foot. Damage here can be caused by trauma such as a fall, car accident, or a sports injury.

Lisfranc injuries range from ligament sprains to full fractures and dislocations. However, if left untreated, they can lead to chronic pain, deformity and a reduced mobility.

Prompt diagnosis and treatment is critical and typically involves imaging and sometimes surgery.

How Are Lisfranc Fractures Missed?

Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for this fracture to be missed. This may be because of:

• Lack of visible fractures on X-rays
• Misdiagnosis as a simple sprain
• Inadequate physical examination
• Failure to order more advanced imaging like CT or MRI

Medical professionals are trained to identify red flags, but mistakes do happen. If your injury was missed and you have suffered as a direct result, you may be eligible to make a claim.

 

What Is Clinical Negligence?

Clinical negligence occurs when your healthcare provider fails to meet an acceptable standard of care, and this failure causes harm.

Therefore, for a missed Lisfranc fracture to be classed as clinical negligence, you must show the following key criteria:

1. Duty of care – The healthcare provider owed you a legal duty of care.
2. Breach of duty – They failed to provide the standard of care expected.
3. Causation – This breach caused you harm that would have been avoidable.
4. Damages – You suffered physical, emotional, or financial harm.

It’s important to remember that you have a three-year time limit from the date of the injury, or the date you became aware of the negligence, to start your claim.

Common Symptoms Overlooked in Missed Lisfranc Injuries

Here are some common symptoms which may not have been considered and so resulted in a missed diagnosis. These may include:

• Pain in the midfoot that worsens when standing or walking
• Swelling and bruising on the top or bottom of the foot
• Difficulty bearing weight
• “Gap” or shift between the first and second toes

Unfortunately, if these signs are dismissed as a minor sprain and you’re sent home without proper imaging or treatment, a Lisfranc injury can progress unnoticed.

Step-by-Step: How To Claim for a Missed Lisfranc Fracture

Here’s how to start your clinical negligence claim:

1. Seek Legal Advice

Choose a solicitor who specialises in clinical negligence claims. They can assess your case, gather medical records, and determine whether you have a strong claim. Your solicitor will also negotiate your compensation and many cases are settled out of court.

2. Gather Evidence

Collect as much evidence as possible to back up your claim, including:

• Medical records and X-rays
• Referral letters
• Appointment notes
• Photographs of swelling or bruising
• Keep notes documenting your symptoms
• Witness statements e.g. from family or carers

3. Independent Medical Assessment

A specialist will assess the long-term effects of your missed fracture. Your solicitor will help you organise this appointment. The specialist report is crucial for determining how much compensation you may receive.

What Compensation Can You Claim?

The aim of compensation in clinical negligence cases is to restore you, as far as possible, to the position you would have been in if the injury hadn’t occurred. Compensation typically incudes:

General Damages

For pain, suffering, and loss of amenity (quality of life).

Special Damages

These cover financial losses, such as:

• Lost earnings
• Medical expenses
• Travel costs
• Rehabilitation or physiotherapy
• Mobility aids or home modifications

Why You Should Contact Us

Our team at Jefferies Claims partner with lawyers who are highly experienced in clinical negligence. This means that they:

• Understand complex medical terminology
• Can instruct top medical experts
• Work on a No Win, No Fee basis

We will take you through the process so you can get the compensation you deserve.

To learn more and to discuss your potential claim in confidence, contact our friendly team on 0333 358 3034. Alternatively, complete our online contact form to arrange an free, no-obligation telephone consultation.

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.