Misdiagnosed Scaphoid Fracture

The scaphoid is one of many small bones that make up the wrist joint. It is commonly damaged when someone puts their hand out to protect themselves when trying to break their fall. Falling on an outspread hand puts incredible force on the wrist that can result in a fracture of the scaphoid bone.

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For a no-obligation, initial discussion about your circumstances and to find out whether you have a claim, please feel free to call us on 0333 358 2345 or get in touch online.

Scaphoid injury diagnosis

The complex structure of the wrist means that even with an X-Ray it can be very difficult to identify a fracture of the scaphoid. Doctors or radiologists can miss it either because the fracture is so small or because the position of the X-Ray was not correct. If they fail to diagnose the scaphoid injury, you may be sent away with a diagnosis of a sprain. However, if the pain persists or gets worse and a re-diagnosis exposes that it is a scaphoid injury, this could amount to negligence. If this is the case, you may be able to claim compensation.

Medical negligence

Negligence from misdiagnosing the injury or during surgery can lead to:

• Development of arthritis in the wrist
• Death of the bone due to a lack of blood supply
• Pain
• Poor mobility
• Stiffness

Failure to diagnose a scaphoid fracture can potentially lead to a long-term disability that can affect your ability to work.

The implications and your rights

Failure to identify the scaphoid injury and the subsequent delayed treatment can affect you in many ways. The pain may make it extremely hard or impossible for you to perform everyday routines at home or work. If you have to take time off from work this may result in loss of wages and other work-related benefits.

You may also suffer additional expenditures for doctor’s bills and X-Rays as well as pain-relief and other medications. If it can be proved that all the extra pain, inconvenience and expenses were a direct result of the scaphoid injury misdiagnosis, you may be able to claim compensation.

Medical professionals have a duty of care towards their patients. This means they are required to treat patients to the best of their ability and take all due precautions in administering any medical treatment. Failure to diagnose the scaphoid fracture in time, leading to delayed treatment may result in a claim for compensation.

How to claim scaphoid fracture compensation

If you believe that you have a claim, you should contact a medical negligence lawyer as soon as possible. You may be able to make a claim if you can prove that negligent treatment has occurred.

Contact First Personal Injury to discuss your claim today on 0333 358 2345 or, alternatively, fill out our online form.