Clinical negligence: delay diagnosing C5–C7 fractures and its cost

In January 2022, the Claimant visited the emergency department at The Royal Albert Edward Infirmary, Wigan, where a referral to the Orthopaedic team was made. However, the x-ray was taken with the Claimant lying flat, contrary to specific instructions from Salford Royal Hospital, Pendleton that it should have been conducted with the Claimant standing. Despite this error, an orthopaedic note from January 24th at 16:51 incorrectly stated that the alignment on the x-ray was satisfactory, and the Claimant was advised to mobilise in a collar for three months. This advice was fundamentally wrong; the x-ray had been taken in the wrong position and a later review revealed that the Claimant required urgent surgery.

As a result of the incorrect guidance, the Claimant endured significant pain and required care and assistance for the next three months. The experience severely damaged the Claimant's trust in the medical service, leaving them concerned about the long-term consequences of receiving such inaccurate advice.

The case was settled for £13,000 by Leonie Millard, a Clinical Negligence expert solicitor at Forbes Solicitors after obtaining medical evidence from an orthopaedic surgeon.

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