£135,000 settlement secured following delayed diagnosis of an infection

Following a significant fall from a roof, Mr J was taken to his local  hospital and diagnosed with a right acetabular fracture before being transferred to a specialist centre under a pelvic pathway, where he underwent open reduction internal fixation of his displaced acetabular fracture. The operation was recorded as uncomplicated, and a post-operative CT scan revealed no immediate complications.

However, in the months following the surgery Mr J experienced worsening symptoms including difficulties with mobility, blood in his urine and hip, flank and groin pain. He was initially prescribed antibiotics, however his symptoms continued where he experienced episodes of feeling hot and unwell and pain to the extent that the emergency services initially suspected a stroke. Despite these red flags, a consultation with his surgeon attributed the changes to a degenerative hip and he was placed on the routine waiting list rather than pursued urgently.

After sometime and due to persisting symptoms, he underwent an MRI scan which showed a significant pelvic collection which had not been present previously and indicated a chronic infection. Unfortunately the infection progressed further and he required two additional surgeries. Mr J continues to experience chronic pain and suffers from disturbed sleep, anxiety and has been unable to return to work. He has now undergone hip replacement surgery and may require further additional surgery in the future.

Anna sought medical evidence which confirmed that there was delay in diagnosing the infection which resulted in the infection becoming chronic, caused bone destruction and accelerated his need for a total hip replacement.

Given that Mr J had been treated by a number of medical providers there were multiple defendants in the case, each requiring their own expert evidence to advise on breach and causation. The case settled for £135,000