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Claimant Receives £30,000 in Compensation Following Radiology Imaging Negligence
30 June 2020
Patient receives a five figure sum following the failure to correctly interpret radiology imaging
What happened: Our client had a history of bilateral hip replacements (i.e. both hips had previously been replaced at the same time). Subsequently they attended Accident & Emergency with pain in their right hip and lower back and were referred for an x-ray. The x-ray was interpreted as showing no periprosthetic loosening (i.e. loosening of the implant from the bone structure) and our client’s joints were considered to be in good condition. They had pain relieving injections and physiotherapy but the hip pain continued.
Approximately 1 year later our client suffered a fall. An x-ray was performed which showed that they required urgent revision of the right hip replacement and they underwent a right complex total hip replacement procedure. However, at the time of the second x-ray, the earlier first x-ray was reviewed and was found to demonstrate loosening of the cement in the right hip replacement, which had not previously been identified, and which would have led to revision surgery at that earlier juncture.
The effect on our client: The failure in correctly interpreting the initial x-ray image lead to a delay in revision surgery of approximately 18 months, during which time our client suffered significant pain and loss of mobility. The revision surgery that was subsequently required was more complex than it otherwise would have been, which led to a significantly worse outcome.
How TRUE Solicitors were able to help: We brought a claim on behalf of our client on the grounds that there was a failure to interpret the x-ray imaging correctly. Had they done so, our client would have undergone revision surgery 18 months earlier and would have achieved a better outcome. Court proceedings were started, and the Defendant made admissions in the Defence in respect of the failure to correctly interpret the x-ray imaging and in relation to our client’s worse outcome, although the extent of this was not admitted. Medical evidence was obtained and we were able to negotiate settlement.
Level of settlement achieved: £30,000
Practice area: Medical Negligence – Radiology
