Accident and Emergency

Fracture Missed On X-Ray

Mr A attended the A&E Department having sustained an injury to his right hand. He had an x-ray which, in error, was reported to be normal. It was not until 11 days after the x-ray was reviewed that fractures to a finger were identified and a further 5 days until the fracture was treated. The claim was settled for £1,250.

Failure to Refer For Needed Treatment

Mr M, who had a pre-existing condition affecting blood supply to his extremities, had injured his left little finger in the door. He visited the A&E Departments of two hospitals who both sent him away without a referral to a Specialist or any treatment. As a result of the failure to refer him to treatment, the tip of the finger became gangrenous and was amputated. We assisted Mr M in making a claim and he received £7,500 in compensation.

Mrs M Bury Clinical Negligence

The Claimant attended the Fairfield General Hospital, having fallen in a Shopping Centre in Bury. She was brought to the hospital by ambulance and complained predominantly about an injury to her right arm. The Claimant had an examination and an x-ray carried out to her right elbow. No bone injury was identified. The Claimant was given pain relief and discharged. She continued to have problems and attended Fairfield General Hospital two weeks later, further x-rays were taken, this time of her right shoulder. The x-ray confirmed that the shoulder was dislocated. Efforts were made to relocate the shoulder, but it was not possible to do so, and the Claimant was therefore transferred by ambulance to Manchester North Hospital, where an operation to relocate her shoulder was carried out under general anaesthetic.

It was admitted that a proper examination on the first attendance would have spotted this and a manipulation under sedation, a much less invasive treatment, would have taken place with a better outcome. The Claimant recovered £5,000 for her pain and suffering, travel and care losses.