15 May 2019
Melissa* was only 10 when she was referred to Scarborough Hospital by a GP for an x-ray because of pain in her hip and an altered gait, without any previous fall/injury. The radiologist at Scarborough Hospital who subsequently reviewed this x-ray failed to identify the clear signs of a slipped upper femoral epiphysis**. The consequences for Melissa is that this error will now cause her significant life changing injuries.
If Melissa had been diagnosed with the slipped upper femoral epiphysis earlier, she should have been referred to an Orthopaedic Surgeon at Scarborough Hospital on an urgent basis. This would have allowed surgery to be completed before a severe slip progressed, thereby avoiding all the damage that comes with this. As a result of the admitted sub-standard medical care at Scarborough Hospital, she has already undergone numerous avoidable operations resulting in a prolonged absence from school. After leaving secondary school she had to delay the commencement of a childcare course at Scarborough TEC for a year.
In the future it is likely that she will need to have an early hip replacement when in her late teens. This will then be followed by 2 separate hip revision operations when she is older, after which no further revision surgery is going to be possible. As a result she will be limited to crutches/wheelchair by the time she reaches her mid-forties. From this point onwards her ability to work and care for herself/her children is going to be significantly compromised. She will need suitable accommodation on a single level and various additional aids and equipment.
Nick Gray, Head of the Clinical Negligence Department & Sarah Jackson, Solicitor obtained all the expert evidence necessary to value Melissa’s future losses. Following this, complex calculations identified the level of compensation that would be required to provide the necessary help and assistance throughout her life. This was vital in securing a significant settlement of £1.15 million for Melissa; she was delighted with this outcome because it will now provide her with a much better quality of life.
If you or your family have suffered as a result of a possible medical mistake, let us help you find out what should have happened and if there is a legal claim. You can contact us by completing the form below or calling on 01482 323697.
*Not her real name
**This is the most common hip disorder in adolescents, where the head of the femur slips offs the neck of the base of the growth plate
