A delayed diagnosis of a wrist fracture can lead to serious complications, including long-term pain, restricted movement, and avoidable surgery. Our medical negligence team recently secured £40,000 in compensation for a client whose scaphoid fracture was missed at hospital, resulting in months of unnecessary suffering and permanent symptoms.
Our Client’s Experience
Our client suffered a fall from a garden fence and landed heavily on their outstretched hand. They immediately experienced pain in their right wrist but initially believed the injury to be a minor sprain.
The following day, when the pain and swelling persisted, they attended the Defendant hospital for medical assessment.
During the appointment, a physical examination was carried out, and an X-ray of the wrist was taken. Although the imaging showed a subtle abnormality, the medical team reassured our client that the injury was simply a sprain.
Our client was discharged without their wrist being immobilised, without further imaging being arranged, and without any referral for specialist follow-up.
The Correct Diagnosis
Unfortunately, our client’s wrist did not improve.
Around four months later, due to ongoing pain and reduced function in their wrist, our client attended their GP. A repeat X-ray was arranged, which confirmed that the injury was in fact a scaphoid fracture.
Our client was then referred to an orthopaedic consultant for further treatment.
The Consequences of the Delay
Because the fracture had not been diagnosed and treated at the time of the initial hospital visit, the bone had not healed correctly.
As a result, our client required surgery involving a bone graft and the insertion of a screw to stabilise the fracture. This procedure would likely have been avoided if the injury had been properly diagnosed and treated at the outset.
Our client has been left with ongoing symptoms including:
- Persistent pain in the wrist
- Stiffness and reduced mobility
- Functional limitations in the hand and wrist
The prolonged treatment and uncertainty surrounding the injury also had a psychological impact. Our client developed an adjustment disorder and required 16 sessions of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
The Medical Negligence
It was alleged that the Defendant hospital failed to assess and manage the injury with reasonable care and skill.
In particular, the treating clinicians:
- Failed to recognise the abnormality visible on the initial X-ray
- Failed to properly consider the possibility of a scaphoid fracture
- Failed to immobilise the wrist in a cast or splint
- Failed to arrange appropriate follow-up at a fracture clinic
If appropriate care had been provided, the fracture would likely have been treated with immobilisation in a plaster cast followed by rehabilitation, allowing the bone to heal naturally. Our client would probably have made a full recovery without surgery or permanent symptoms.
Securing Compensation for Our Client
Although the Defendant admitted liability for the negligence, they were slow to engage in settlement discussions.
Our legal team therefore began preparing court proceedings to ensure the claim progressed. Following continued negotiation, the case settled before trial.
Our client recovered £40,000 in compensation, which included provision for:
- Ongoing physical rehabilitation
- Psychological therapy
- Compensation for pain, suffering and long-term symptoms
Could We Help You?
Missed fractures and delayed diagnoses can have serious long-term consequences. If you have suffered avoidable complications because a fracture was not properly diagnosed or treated, you may be entitled to claim compensation.
Our specialist medical negligence team has extensive experience handling claims involving delayed diagnoses and orthopaedic injuries.
If you would like to discuss a potential claim, contact our team today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our experienced medical negligence solicitors at Oliver & Co can review your circumstances, obtain expert medical evidence, and advise you on whether you have a claim. You can call us on 01244 354688, email us at law@oliverandco.co.uk or complete our Contact Form and a member of our team will be in touch.
