Medical Negligence Claims for Missed Mandibular Fractures

Written by Tanya Waterworth, Digital Content Writer

About Our Legal Expert: This content is produced with oversight by Michael Jefferies, Managing Director who has over 30 years’ legal experience.

How Much Compensation Can You Expect?

Medical negligence claims for missed mandibular fractures result from a serious medical error that can lead to long-term pain, disfigurement, nerve damage, and impaired oral function. When healthcare professionals fail to diagnose or treat a mandibular fracture correctly, the consequences can be severe. .

If you have suffered because a mandibular fracture was missed and you suffered harm as a result, you may be entitled to claim compensation for medical negligence.

Jefferies Claims may be able to help as we work with highly experienced medical negligence lawyers who work on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis.

What Is a Mandibular Fracture?

The mandible, commonly known as the lower jaw, is the largest and strongest facial bone. It plays a critical role in chewing, speaking, and maintaining facial symmetry. A mandibular fracture is a break or crack in the jawbone, often caused by trauma. It is one of the most common facial fractures seen in hospital emergency departments.

Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential. If a mandibular fracture is missed or misdiagnosed due to a poor standard of care, patients can develop serious complications such as malocclusion (misaligned bite), infection, facial deformity, and chronic pain. A failure to provide appropriate care may form the basis of a medical negligence claim.

Common Causes of Mandibular Fractures

Mandibular fractures often result from direct impact. The most frequent causes include:

• Road traffic accidents (car, motorbike, or cycling collisions)
• Falls, particularly in elderly patients or those under the influence of alcohol
• Sports injuries, especially contact sports such as rugby or boxing
• Workplace accidents, especially in environments involving heavy machinery

In some cases, fractures may also occur due to underlying medical conditions such as osteoporosis or cancer weakening the bone structure. Regardless of the cause, it is essential for healthcare professionals to carry out the appropriate diagnostic tests and provide timely treatment.

Symptoms and Red Flags That May Be Missed

A missed mandibular fracture usually results from a failure to recognise critical symptoms or order diagnostic imaging. Red Flags to watch for may include:

• Severe jaw pain or tenderness
• Swelling or bruising around the jaw or face
• Difficulty opening or closing the mouth (trismus)
• Misaligned teeth or changes in bite
• Numbness in the lower lip or chin (indicating nerve damage)
• Bleeding in the mouth or cuts inside the cheek
• Audible clicking or grinding in the jaw
• Difficulty chewing or speaking
• Loose or displaced teeth
• Visible deformity or asymmetry of the jawline

If any of these symptoms are present, a healthcare professional should carry out a physical examination, request an X-ray, CT scan, or other imaging studies, and refer the patient to the appropriate specialist. A failure to act on these signs may be deemed negligent if it leads to a deterioration in the patient’s condition.

How Mandibular Fractures May Be Diagnosed

To avoid a missed diagnosis, medical professionals must should follow established clinical guidelines. Proper diagnosis should include:

• Patient history: Details of the injury, symptoms, and medical background
• Physical examination: Checking for pain, swelling, misalignment, and nerve function
• Imaging: CT scans are considered the gold standard. Panoramic X-rays can also identify fractures

If a clinician fails to request imaging when symptoms clearly indicate a fracture, their actions may fall below the accepted standard of care.

Consequences of a Missed Mandibular Fracture

Delayed or missed treatment can lead to complications which may include:

• Chronic facial pain
• Jaw deformity
• Infection or abscess formation
• Nerve damage leading to permanent numbness
• Difficulty eating or speaking
• Need for corrective surgery

These complications can have a profound impact on your quality of life, causing physical discomfort and suffering. If these outcomes could have been prevented with proper medical care, a claim for medical negligence may be justified.

What Is Medical Negligence in the Context of a Missed Mandibular Fracture?

Medical negligence occurs when a healthcare professional fails to meet the standard of care expected in their profession and which directly results in harm to the patient. In the case of a missed mandibular fracture, negligence may include:

• Failing to recognise clear symptoms
• Not ordering diagnostic imaging
• Misinterpreting test results
• Discharging a patient without proper assessment
• Delaying referral to a specialist
• Providing inadequate follow-up care

To succeed in a medical negligence claim, you must prove:

1. Duty of care existed
2. The duty was breached
3. The breach directly caused harm
4. The harm led to a loss or damages such as pain, loss of earnings, or future treatment costs

How to File a Medical Negligence Claim for a Missed Mandibular Fracture

Step 1: Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Your health should always be your priority. Get a proper diagnosis and treatment from a different practitioner if necessary.

Step 2: Gather Evidence

Collect:

• Medical records and imaging reports
• Photographs of injuries
• Statements from witnesses
• A diary of symptoms, pain levels, and impact on your daily life
• Financial records for lost earnings and expenses

Step 3: Contact a Specialist Medical Negligence Solicitor

We partner with solicitors who are highly experienced in medical negligence claims. They also offer No Win, No Fee agreements, meaning you only pay if your claim succeeds.

Step 4: Expert Medical Assessment

Your solicitor will arrange for an independent medical expert to review your case and assess the extent of your injury and its impact.

Step 5: Calculation of Compensation

Compensation is typically awarded for:

• General damages (pain, suffering, loss of amenity)
• Special damages (loss of earnings, medical costs, travel expenses, future treatment)

As each case is unique, your lawyer will be able to provide a tailored estimate for your specific claim

Step 6: Settlement or Court Proceedings

Most cases settle before reaching court. Your solicitor will negotiate on your behalf and ensure your claim reflects the full extent of your losses.

Time Limits for Filing a Medical Negligence Claim

You usually have three years from the date of the negligence or the date you became aware that negligence caused your injury (known as the “date of knowledge”). Exceptions apply for children and those lacking mental capacity.

FAQs About Missed Mandibular Fracture Medical Negligence Claims

1. What is a missed mandibular fracture?

A missed mandibular fracture occurs when a healthcare professional fails to diagnose a jaw fracture despite clear symptoms or risk factors. This may lead to delayed treatment and harm to the patient.

2. Can I claim compensation if my jaw fracture was not diagnosed at the hospital?

Yes. If a medical professional failed to recognise your symptoms or did not carry out the necessary diagnostic tests, and this caused avoidable harm, you may be entitled to claim compensation for medical negligence.

3. What symptoms should a doctor not ignore when assessing a jaw injury?

Red flag symptoms include severe jaw pain, swelling, difficulty opening the mouth, numbness in the chin or lip, a misaligned bite, and loose or displaced teeth. These symptoms typically require immediate imaging such as an X-ray or CT scan.

4. How long do I have to file a medical negligence claim?

You generally have three years from the date of the injury or from when you realised that negligence caused your injury. Different rules apply to minors and individuals lacking mental capacity.

5. How much compensation could I receive for a missed mandibular fracture?

Compensation depends on the severity of your injury, long-term impact, pain, lost earnings, and any future treatment needs. Claims awarded may total thousands of pounds as general (pain and suffering) and special damages (financial losses) are taken into account.

6. Is a missed mandibular fracture considered medical negligence?

If the failure to diagnose falls below the standard expected of a reasonably competent medical professional, and you suffered harm as a result, it would likely be classified as medical negligence.

Take Action Today

A missed mandibular fracture is regarded as a a serious medical oversight. If your injury was not diagnosed or treated promptly due to substandard medical care, you may be entitled to compensation.

If you believe your jaw fracture was missed by a medical professional, seek legal advice as soon as possible.

Contact us today at 0333 358 3034. Alternatively, complete our online contact form to arrange your free,  no-obligation telephone consultation.

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Always consult with a medical professional and a qualified solicitor to understand your specific circumstances.