Orthopaedic Negligence
Orthopaedic Negligence Claims
Ireland has a high standard of medical care, but sometimes things go wrong. In recent years there has been a steady increase in claims involving orthopaedic negligence.
The most common reasons for orthopaedic negligence include:
- Failure to perform or correctly interpret diagnostic blood tests, x-rays or scans
- Failure to diagnose and treat a fracture
- Failure to diagnose and treat an orthopaedic condition e.g. bone cancer, osteoporosis, osteomylitis, congenital abnormalities
- Misdiagnosis or a delay in diagnosis
- Poor technique in surgical operations
- Surgical / orthopaedic errors
- Failure to operate / delay in surgery
- Serious wound infection that could have been avoided
- Inappropriate or substandard care in non-surgical treatment e.g. MUA i.e. Manipulation Under Anaesthetic, application of POP i.e. Plaster of Paris)
- Poor follow up / post-operative care e.g. failure to order further x-rays or scans; failure to interpret such x-rays or scans correctly when available ; failure to prescribe appropriate medication e.g. antibiotics
- Inadequate cleaning, suturing, and dressing of wounds
Types of Orthopaedic Negligence Claims
Orthopaedic negligence claims can involve the following conditions:
- Osteomylitis (i.e. infection of the bone)
- Orthopaedic Spinal Surgery e.g. spinal injury, discectomy, laminectomy, spinal implant surgery
- Bone fractures (i.e. broken bones) e.g. femur, patella, tibia, fibula, metatarsal fractures (fractures of the foot) humerus, ulna, radius, wrist fractures e.g. (scaphoid) hip fractures, spinal fractures and many others.
- Congenital abnormalities e.g. CDH (Congenital Dislocated Hip), Talipes (congenital deformity of the ankle, foot or toes)
- Implant surgery/ joint replacement surgery e.g. hip replacement, knee replacement, shoulder replacement
- Problems associated with the use of cement, bone grafts and allografts (donor bone graft)
- Wound complications
- Joint arthroscopy surgery (e.g. shoulder, knee)
- Ligament/ tendon injuries
If you have suffered as a result of orthopaedic negligence then it is important that you seek legal advice and we will assist you to determine whether you have a legal claim.
Time Limit- Statute of Limitations
The time limit imposed for submitting a claim in relation to medical negligence (orthopaedic negligence) is within 2 years from the date of the injury or 2 years from the date of knowledge of the injury.
Making a claim
If you feel you have a legal claim for Orthopaedic Negligence, please contact Malcomson Law by calling 01 8744422 or by filling out an Online Enquiry Form. A solicitor who specialises in Medical Negligence will contact you to advise you of your legal rights and entitlements.
When you consult Malcomson Law, we will give you free advice on medical negligence law. We will help you find out whether you have a good case, how to go about making a claim, and the potential value of your claim. This free consultation does not put you under an obligation. If after talking to us you decide not to take matters further, you won't be charged for the initial advice.