Orthopaedics is the backbone of the medical industry.

As the area of medicine that deals with muscles, joints, bones, tendons, and ligaments, the chances are that most of us will have to undertake some kind of orthopaedic surgery at some point in our lives.

But for some patients, the treatment and recovery process may not be so simple. When fractures are missed by an orthopaedic surgeon or doctor, or when mistakes are made by a less experienced doctor in the Accident and Emergency department, patients can be left in a very difficult situation.

When this happens, it is vital that those affected seek high-quality legal advice from a reputable and trustworthy solicitor.

Why choose SDS Solicitors?

At Sheldon Davidson Solicitors, we have been advocating for our clients, including victims of orthopaedic negligence, since 1997.

As a specialist medical negligence, accident and personal injury law firm based in Manchester, the mental and physical health of our clients will always be our priority.

Despite being based in the North West, we work closely with clients from all over England and Wales, providing them with outstanding legal advice on claiming compensation.

When a client has a claim for orthopaedic negligence, we always do our best to ensure that the settlements are reflective of the severity and damage that has been suffered.

With SDS Solicitors at your side, you’ll never be alone.

If you think that you, or someone you love, has undergone a negligent experience during, prior to, or after orthopaedic surgery, then you could have a potential claim.

To talk more with an experienced professional and find out where your experience sits within the legal framework, call us on the number at the top of this page, or simply fill in the contact form on this page.

What is orthopaedic surgery?

Orthopaedic surgery can refer to any surgery used to treat conditions that involve the musculoskeletal system.

Typically, orthopaedic surgeons will specialise in a certain type of surgery, such as joint reconstruction, foot and ankle surgery or back and spine surgery.

One common kind of surgery is lumbar decompression surgery, which is often used to help manage conditions (for example, sciatica or a slipped disk) caused by compressed nerves in the lower spine.

Whenever a surgeon undertakes such a surgery, their end goal is always to help their patients increase mobility, gain strength, and return to work.

However, as with all surgeries, there are many risks involved.

What are the risks of orthopaedic surgery?

Whether before, during or after an orthopaedic surgery takes place – mistakes can happen.

And when mistakes do occur, they can cause anything from long term pain and permanent restrictions in movement to the amputation of a limb or fatality.

While the scope for potential negative outcomes is wide, one thing they all have in common is that they can cause a significant impact on a patient’s overall physical and mental wellbeing.

If you or someone you know has suffered through any of the above injuries or has experienced another kind of bone or muscle injury due to medial negligence, then you could have a potential claim.

What is orthopaedic medical negligence?

In general, orthopaedic surgery is an incredibly safe and precise process. Done correctly, and a patient’s life can be transformed for the better. Done incorrectly, and their life may be severely altered.

Orthopaedic medical negligence may come in many possible forms, but the most common kind occurs when mistakes are made during surgery.

One example of this is during spinal surgery, wherein cases of improper treatment such as ill-fitted medical grafts, prosthesis or implants can severely impact a patient’s life and career – particularly if the patient is an athlete. In these instances, patients have been paralysed or left scarcely able to walk unassisted.

Additionally, some circumstances of medical negligence may arise when a patient’s ailment has been incorrectly diagnosed and/or treated. Some victims of orthopaedic negligence have had to extend their recovery time significantly after treatment was applied to the wrong area, such as the wrong hip or the wrong knee.

Meanwhile, many patients suffer from insufficient aftercare. During the recovery process, your orthopaedic team will have a list of criteria that they must meet in order to ensure that you can assume a healthy recovery.

If aftercare is insufficient, such as the incorrect application of a tourniquet (resulting in potential tissue damage or even worse, amputation), or infections and nerve damage, then this could also be a case of orthopaedic negligence.

If you have experience anything similar to the above sounds, then you could be entitled to claim compensation.

Do I have a claim?

Orthopaedic negligence is something that affects many British people every year.

While there is no way of guaranteeing whether you have a claim without receiving specialist advice, there are ways of understanding whether your circumstances mean that you could have a potential claim.

If you think that you may have a claim, there are several steps you must follow.

First of all, you should ascertain whether you could fit the general criteria.

If you, or someone you wish to make a claim on behalf of, has undergone orthopaedic surgery and has suffered unnecessarily due to a failure to diagnose, manage, or treat a condition (typically a fracture) within the last 3 years, phone SDS Solicitors today to discuss your options.

If you believe that your circumstances, or the circumstances of someone you wish to make a claim on behalf of, fit these criteria, then the next thing that you must do is seek legal advice.

Can I make a claim on behalf of someone else?

In some cases, a victim of potential orthopaedic negligence will be unable to seek legal help for themselves.

For example, if the victim is a child under the age of 18, has passed away or is otherwise incapable of seeking counsel, then a third party may be able to make a claim on behalf of the victim.

Whether you have personally been affected by potential orthopaedic negligence, or know someone that has, the best way to find out whether you might have a claim is to contact us.

Established in Manchester in 1997, we are a leading specialist medical negligence, accident at work and personal injury law firm acting for claimants nationwide.

Our expert medical negligence solicitors regularly act for clients across Greater Manchester including Ashton, Bury, Bolton, Radcliffe, Prestwich, Middleton, Failsworth, Rochdale, Oldham and Whitefield.

Our team of recognised Orthopaedic Surgery Negligence Claims Solicitors can support your needs wherever you live in Wales, England & Northern Ireland.

Call us for free now using the number at the top of the page or complete the online contact form and a member of our team will get back to you.

Your Medical Negligence Legal Team