Last Updated on June 4, 2025 by tanya

Missed Rib Fracture Claims

 

What You Need to Know About Claiming Compensation

 

A rib fracture is a common injury resulting from blunt trauma to the chest, but if left untreated, it may result in missed rib fracture claims for compensation. Rib fractures tend to happen in falls, car collisions or in sports.

It is a painful injury and typically straightforward to diagnose. However, if it missed, misdiagnosed or mistakenly attributed to another condition, complications may arise. This may include internal bleeding, lung damage or pneumonia.

So, if this has happened to you, you may want to find out more about claiming compensation if you suffered from harm. A clinical negligence claim is when the standard of care fell below an expected standard of care which either caused your injury or worsened your condition.

If you or a loved one have affected due to a missed rib fracture, First Personal Injury can help. We work with lawyers experienced in medical negligence who work on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis and who can assess your case.

 

Symptoms of a Rib Fracture

A rib fracture refers to a break or crack in one or more of the ribs. These bones form the ribcage which protects your vital organs, such as the lungs and heart. The majority of rib fractures are caused by direct trauma. However, they can also result from repetitive strain or underlying medical conditions like osteoporosis or cancer.

Therefore, recognising the symptoms of a rib fracture is critical. However, because some signs can mimic other conditions, like muscle strain or lung infection, they may be occasionally overlooked.

Common symptoms can include:

 

• Sharp, localised chest pain that worsens with movement, deep breathing, or coughing
• Swelling or bruising on the chest wall
• Tenderness when touching the injured area
• Difficulty breathing deeply
• Cracking or popping sound at the time of injury
• Pain when twisting or bending the torso

 

If you’ve experienced any of these symptoms after trauma to the chest and weren’t given an X-ray or CT scan, there’s a risk your rib fracture may have been missed.

 

Complications of a Missed or Delayed Rib Fracture Diagnosis

The earlier a fracture is detected, the more effective and timely the treatment. Failure to diagnose this fracture can end in severe complications. When missed or misdiagnosed, the following may result:

 

1. Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung)

A broken rib can puncture the lung, causing it to collapse—a condition known as pneumothorax. This should be treated quickly.

 

2. Haemothorax (Internal Bleeding)

If a fractured rib severs blood vessels, it can lead to internal bleeding into the chest cavity. This is another medical emergency requiring immediate intervention.

 

3. Organ Damage

Depending on the rib(s) affected, fractures can damage nearby organs such as the spleen, liver, or kidneys.

 

4. Pneumonia

Pain from a rib fracture may prevent deep breathing or coughing. Consequently, this may lead to poor ventilation in the lungs and increase the risk of pneumonia.

 

5. Chronic Pain

When a fracture is left untreated, it may not heal correctly, leading to persistent pain or reduced mobility in the chest wall.

 

6. Non-union or Malunion

A missed diagnosis can result in the bones healing incorrectly or not at all. As a result, this sometimes requires surgical correction.

 

Why Are Rib Fractures Misdiagnosed?

There are several reasons why rib fractures may be missed or misdiagnosed:

 

• Lack of imaging: An X-ray or CT scan may not be done
• Mild symptoms: In some cases, patients may present with mild symptoms that may be dismissed as muscle strain or soft tissue injury.
• Diagnostic error: Imaging may be performed but misinterpreted.
• Busy emergency departments: In overwhelmed A&E departments, symptoms may not be adequately investigated.

 

Therefore, if you were sent home from a hospital or GP visit and later found to have a rib fracture – or developed complications as a result – you may be entitled to file a claim for compensation

 

Can I Make a Medical Negligence Claim for a Missed Rib Fracture?

Yes, if a healthcare professional failed to diagnose your rib fracture, resulting in either harm or prolonged recovery, you may be eligible to pursue a clinical negligence claim.

To succeed in a claim, you must be able to prove:

 

1. Duty of Care: The medical provider owed you a duty of care.
2. Breach of Duty: That duty was breached through negligent action or inaction, and a below standard of care expected of a medical professional.
3. Causation: The breach caused your injury or worsened your condition.
4. Damages: You suffered harm (physical, emotional, or financial) as a result.

 

How to File a Clinical Negligence Claim

Here’s the first steps to claiming compensation for your injury:

 

Seek Legal Advice

Contact a solicitor who specialises in clinical negligence claims. Also, look for free, initial consultations and the possibility of a ‘No Win, No Fee’ agreement to reduce any financial stress.

 

Gather Medical Evidence

You’ll need your medical records as these are essential evidence for your claim, including:

 

• A&E and GP notes
• Imaging reports (X-rays, CT scans)
• Any hospital discharge summaries
• Follow-up or secondary diagnoses
• Records of complications (e.g. pneumothorax or pneumonia)

 

Independent Medical Assessment

Your solicitor may arrange for an independent medical expert to assess your injury and determine if negligence occurred.

Many claims are settled out of court and your lawyer will negotiate for you. But, if necessary, your lawyer will guide you through court proceedings in order to get the appropriate compensation for you.

 

What Can I Claim For?

Your compensation may cover:

 

• Pain and suffering
• Medical expenses
• Loss of earnings
• Travel costs
• Future care needs
• Emotional distress

 

Each case is assessed individually, and the value of your claim depends on the severity of the missed fracture and its long-term effects. So, your solicitor will be able to advise on potential compensation for your claim.

 

Time Limits for Medical Negligence Claims

There is a 3 year time limit from the date of the negligent incident, or the date you became aware of it, to make a claim. However, there are exceptions for children and individuals lacking mental capacity, so consult a solicitor early.

 

Getting Started

As clinical negligence claims can be tricky, it’s advisable to consult with a solicitor who is experienced in medical negligence cases.

At First Personal Industry, we work with expert lawyers who operate on a No Win, No Fee basis, ensuring you get the support you need without financial risk. Call us at 0333 3582345 or contact us online and we can call you back at a time suitable for you.

 

This article provides general legal information and should not be construed as legal or medical advice. In all instances you should always consult with a medical professional around life expectancy questions.