Our client injured his dominant left wrist after falling from a ladder. He attended hospital and was diagnosed with a fracture of the distal radius. He had surgery to repair this the next day.
The intended follow-up treatment was to consist of: 1. A review appointment one week after surgery. 2. An appointment two weeks after surgery to remove the sutures. 3. An appointment six weeks after surgery to remove the cast and the k-wires.
Unfortunately, after two weeks, our client had not received an appointment despite telephoning the hospital. Instead, he attended the A&E department. They replaced the cast but failed to refer him to the Orthopaedic clinic and so no other appointment was forthcoming.
Our client received an appointment 5 weeks after surgery, which he attended, but the doctor only removed the sutures and provided him with a new cast. He eventually received the correct appointment 9 weeks after surgery, when he had the cast and the k-wires removed.
Because of the delay, our client experienced unnecessary pain and suffering as well as additional stiffness and weakness in his wrist. The hospital admitted fault. They apologised for the follow-up care our client was provided with and he received £6,500 compensation.
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Please contact us for advice if you feel you have suffered any form of negligent medical/dental treatment. We have a specialist team of medical negligence solicitors who are always happy to help.
If you would like advice on whether you have a potential clinical negligence claim or assistance with drafting a letter of complaint, please contact us on the number below. Please note that there are legal time limits in place for starting a claim for compensation, and our specialist clinical negligence solicitors will be able to advise you specifically on the facts of your own case.
