Misdiagnosed Broken or Fractured Bone Claims

Being misdiagnosed when you have a broken or fractured bone can cause significant problems. You may have even been treated incorrectly for a significant amount of time, leading to a longer and more problematic recovery.

Free initial discussion

For a no-obligation initial discussion about your circumstances and to find out whether you have a claim, please feel free to call us on 0333 358 3034 or get in touch online.

The difference between a fracture and a break

A fracture is when there is a small crack or a hairline crack within the bone. This is a simple fracture and is less serious than a broken bone.

A broken bone injury is where the bone snaps or breaks and the surrounding tissue also becomes damaged. A broken bone is more complex and can take much longer to heal than a fracture. If the bone is close to a vital organ when it breaks, this can also result in life-threatening complications.

The Implications and your rights

Often more painful breaks are diagnosed more easily than bone fractures. However, fractures are also very painful and may prevent you from moving the injured area. Other common symptoms include swelling and tenderness around the injury, bruising and deformity.

The most common way to diagnose and evaluate a fracture is with x-rays, which provide clear images of the bone. Your doctor should use an x-ray to verify the diagnosis. X-rays can show whether a bone is intact or broken. They can also show the type of fracture, including exactly where it is located.

Claims for negligence can arise when a doctor has not properly examined a patient and decides that they have sustained just a soft tissue injury without sending them for a detailed x-ray.

Claims can also arise when:

• an x-ray is not examined properly
• a fracture is missed, misreported
• the patient is not called back for a check-up or review of the radiology

An undiagnosed fracture or break not only prolongs the pain experienced by weeks but can result in complete failure of the bone to heal properly. A broken bone left untreated can also restrict the blood supply to surrounding tissue. If a muscle is not supplied with blood carrying oxygen, it will become damaged and start to die (this is called Avascular Necrosis).

Delays in fracture diagnosis can be severe and lead to life-changing effects, including amputations or worse. If you’ve been affected by medical negligence when you had a broken bone or fracture, we can help you seek the compensation you deserve.

All medical negligence claims must be made within a three-year timeframe. This time limit starts from the point that you first realised you received negligent care.

How to claim

If you believe that you have a claim, you should speak to a solicitor who specialises in misdiagnosis claims. Compensation may be payable if negligence can be proven.

Claiming compensation with Jefferies

Contact Jefferies today to discuss your claim on 0333 358 3034 or, alternatively, fill out our online form.