THE TYPE OF CASE WE DO

£75,000 following delay in diagnosis of scaphoid fracture

B v Hammersmith Hospital NHS Trust (2001)

FACTS

B injured his wrist falling from his bicycle.

B reported swollen and painful wrist and forearm and was examined by x ray in A&E.

The x ray was reported as normal and B discharged.

12 weeks after his fall B was referred for orthopaedic review by his GP.

X ray demonstrated ununited scaphoid fracture.  

17 months after his fall B underwent surgery to repair his scaphoid fracture.

B was unable train as a carpenter

BREACH OF DUTY

It was B's case that the x ray taken following his fall was misreported and should have been reported as showing fracture.

CAUSATION

It was B's case that immobilisation of his wrist within two weeks of his fall would have resulted in full recovery from his injury. 

It was B's case that due to the delay in treating his fracture he would be unable to work as a carpenter or similar trade and would develop early arthritis.  

OUTCOME

The case was settled at £75,000 without trial.