Missed Fractures & Broken Bone Claims

How can a fracture be missed?

When we go to hospital with a broken bone, we understandably expect the fracture to be identified and treated. But unfortunately this isn’t always the case.

While most broken bones will be diagnosed through an X-ray, there are some fractures that can be harder to find. These are usually hairline fractures – a small crack or bruise within the bone.

Hairline fractures are often missed as they can appear very faintly, or not at all, on a standard X-ray scan.

Some other common reasons for fractures being misdiagnosed include:

• A healthcare professional failing to request an X-ray
• Improper examination of the broken bone
• Misinterpretation of the X-ray
• X-rays not being passed on to a specialist

If you’ve suffered as a result of a missed fracture, you could be entitled to compensation. Don’t worry if none of the scenarios above apply to you. Our friendly claims advisors can talk to you about your individual case and let you know if you have a strong claim.

How common are missed fractures?

In the early 2000s, the British Medical Journal researched the main types of misdiagnosis in a busy A&E department. It found that 80% of the department’s diagnostic errors were related to missed broken bones.

Some of the most commonly missed fractures appear in the following areas of the body:

• Elbow
• Foot
• Hand
• Hip
• Knee
• Shoulder
• Wrist

This isn’t an exhaustive list, though. Any misdiagnosed fracture could have a serious impact on your life – affecting your ability to walk, drive or do your job.

We understand the financial and emotional stress that can come with suffering a misdiagnosis. And when you get in touch with us, we’ll do our best to address any concerns you may have. Our aim is to give you the information you need so that you can feel confident in your next steps.

How can First4Lawyers help?

We work with experienced medical negligence solicitors who specialise in these types of claims. They’ll talk to you about your injury and the treatment you received before putting together a case to help you achieve the best outcome.

Our client Justin had his broken wrist misdiagnosed by doctors at his local hospital. This meant he had to undergo surgery and was left with significant scarring. We put Justin in touch with a solicitor who was able to build his case and secure him £15,000 in compensation.

We understand that making a claim isn’t just about the compensation, though. Our solicitors can help you access essential treatment to help with your recovery – such as physiotherapy or corrective surgery.

For these types of claims, we work on a No Win No Fee basis. So you can focus on your recovery without the worry of legal costs.

What can happen if a fracture is left untreated?

When a fracture is treated correctly, the recovery process is usually straightforward. But when left undiagnosed, a broken bone could become a much bigger problem.

Some potential complications of missed fractures include:

• Arthritis
• Bleeding or swelling
• Blood clots
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
• Gangrene
• Permanent disability

Further surgery is often needed to correct the effects of a broken bone going untreated. And in the most serious cases, this could include amputating the affected body part.

Who is responsible for a missed fracture?

Hospitals have a duty of care towards their patients. If a hospital or medical professional failed to identify and treat your fracture, you could be entitled to bring a claim against them.

You can make a hospital negligence claim against both NHS and private hospitals. The process will be different for each, but your solicitor will be able to discuss this in more detail with you.

If you were treated at an NHS hospital, your solicitor could also help you make a complaint through NHS Resolution. Many people find this process reassuring as it helps to prevent the same mistakes being repeated.

Missed Fracture and Broken Bone FAQs

Is there a time limit on when I can make a claim?

In these types of cases, there is usually a three-year time limit on when you can make a claim. This could be three years from the date your fracture was missed, or when you first became aware of it.

But there are some instances where the time limits could vary, particularly if the person affected is a child or someone lacking mental capacity.

How much compensation could I receive for a missed fracture?

There’s no straightforward answer to this question as every claim is different. To get a better idea of how much compensation you should receive, your solicitor will assess the impact of your missed fracture on your day-to-day life.

They will also consider how your injury may affect you in future – often with the help of an independent medical expert.

Any financial losses you suffered as a result of your fracture being missed will be taken into account, too. This could include lost earnings or the cost of further medical treatment.

What should I do next if I think I have a missed fracture claim?

If you’ve suffered because of a missed fracture, we could help you bring a claim with the support of an expert solicitor.

You can find out more about the claims process by getting in touch with us on the number at the top of the screen or by completing our quick and simple online claims form.

Once you’ve contacted us, there will be no pressure to go forward with a claim – that decision will be completely up to you.