Congenital Hip Dysplasia Compensation Claims

Hip dysplasia is a condition in which the socket of the hip joint does not fully support the ball of the joint. It is also known as congenital dislocation of the hip, as the disorder can lead to a progressive misalignment (or dislocation) of the hip, resulting in cartilage attrition and early-onset osteoarthritis.

Unfortunately, countless lives are affected by congenital hip dysplasia every year. 

While it can affect both of the hips, congenital hip dysplasia occurs more frequently in the left hip and is more likely to be found in first-born children and females.

Hip dysplasia can have a devastating impact on children and their families. That is why there are routine procedures in place to ensure that signs of hip dysplasia are spotted as soon as possible.

According to NHS recommendations, a baby's hips must be examined within 72 hours of delivery - with a follow-up inspection between 6 and 8 weeks - in order to test for a number of conditions, including hip dysplasia. An ultrasound scan should also be performed if joint instability is discovered during either of these examinations.

If the correct procedures are not followed, the consequences for the child can be extremely serious.  If a medical provider fails to detect congenital hip dysplasia in your child, they may have been negligent, and you could be able to file a claim for compensation. 

At SDS Solicitors, we have handled numerous congenital hip dysplasia lawsuits involving medical providers' failure to detect the condition in a new-born.

To find out whether you could have a claim, how much you could be entitled to and what your next steps may be, get in touch with one of our expert medical negligence solicitors today. 

What is congenital hip dysplasia negligence?

If any joint instabilities are discovered during these routine examinations, a Pavlik harness can be used to secure the new-born’s hips in a stable position. The harness, or splint, is made of fabric and must be worn for several weeks. 

Because of how fast the child’s body will develop in their first year, it is essential that any signs of joint instability are recognized as early as possible so that the child's health care team can both use and get the best results from the Pavlik harness.

If the harness has been secured before the baby is 6 months old, then the child’s hips may develop normally. But if this treatment fails, or if the diagnosis is made after the baby reaches the age of six months, surgery will almost certainly be required and the baby will need to wear a hip cast for a few months afterwards.

Medical professionals are responsible for examining a new-born child for any abnormalities. If this isn't done, and congenital hip dysplasia isn't discovered, then your child could be the victim of medical malpractice and congenital hip dysplasia negligence.

Despite the NHS having proper procedures in place to prevent medical negligence from occurring, patients may still receive substandard care and instances of congenital hip dysplasia negligence do happen, causing severe distress and harm to those involved. 

While instances of congenital hip dysplasia are uncommon, they are extremely serious. No child should have to suffer through unnecessary and avoidable harm due to the actions (or inaction) of the medical team meant to take care of them, and no parent or guardian should have to experience this either.

Nothing can ever take away from the emotional, physical and psychological pain that congenital hip dysplasia can cause, but a successful medical negligence claim for congenital hip dysplasia could go a long way towards relieving some of the financial stress that this can cause for families. 

How we can help you

Since 1997, our expert team of medical negligence, accident, and personal injury solicitors have been dedicated to assisting our clients in obtaining the best possible results for themselves, their loved ones and their future.

SDS Solicitors has a wealth of first-hand experience consulting with, advising, defending, and campaigning for our clients, many of whom have been the victims of medical malpractice and have filed congenital hip dysplasia claims.

Despite the fact that we have our headquarters in Manchester, England, we deal with clients from all over England and Wales to evaluate whether they have a claim and to guide them through the claims process.

We understand that no amount of compensation could ever erase or make up for the harm that congenital hip dysplasia negligence can do to those involved. But a successful claim can go a long way towards alleviating some of the financial burden that this type of negligence can cause, giving you and your family more time to focus on your next steps. 

Get in contact with one of our experts to learn more about how we can assist you, whether you could have a claim, and how much you might be entitled to.

How is congenital hip dysplasia caused?

There are a number of factors that can cause congenital hip dysplasia. Often, where congenital hip dysplasia does occur, it is not caused by medical negligence. 

Sadly, the condition can and does occur as a result of negligent care. If doctors fail to correctly diagnose, treat or monitor a mother and baby during and post-pregnancy, resulting in congenital hip dysplasia developing or worsening in the child and causing harm which could have been avoided (had the medical professionals acted appropriately and followed the proper procedure) then this could be considered negligent. 

Unfortunately, instances of congenital hip dysplasia do happen.

Some of the most common causes of congenital hip dysplasia (that are considered negligent) include: 

Failure to look into family history

During your pregnancy, medical specialists should always look into your family's medical history. If the condition has occurred in your family before, then your medical team will be able to monitor closely and recognise any symptoms that occur. 

This means that the risk of congenital hip dysplasia developing can be reduced via proper monitoring.

However, if your doctor fails to look into your medical history, they will lose out on the advantage that identifying this risk early on brings.

It is also essential that this research is carried out at the appropriate time - prior to birth. 

If:

1. your child has developed congenital hip dysplasia, and

2. the condition has appeared in your family before, and

3.  your doctor did not check your family history prior to you giving birth

Then you could be entitled to compensation. 

At SDS Solicitors, we have handled numerous congenital hip dysplasia lawsuits involving medical providers' failure to detect the condition in a new-born.

To find out whether you could have a claim, how much you could be entitled to and what your next steps may be, get in touch with one of our experts today. 

Failure to conduct a thorough examination of a newly born baby

Just as one of the first things doctors should do when treating a pregnant lady is look into her family medical history, one of the first things your medical team should do after birth is monitor the baby for a number of conditions that are known to effect new-borns. One of these conditions is congenital hip dysplasia. 

While there are many reasons why a child may not receive the right examination after birth (including personnel shortages or lack of expertise in the team) there is no excuse for insufficient examinations after birth.

To ensure that the grade of medical treatment delivered is appropriate, the NHS must effectively train and recruit its staff. Negligent behaviour is simply unacceptable.

The long-term consequences of medical malpractice involving congenital hip dysplasia make the instances particularly dangerous.

At the very least, your child's medical practitioner must assess him or her for any potential deformities or conditions at the time of birth. In the vast majority of cases, this examination will reveal congenital hip dysplasia and allow it to be addressed.

If a medical provider fails to detect congenital hip dysplasia in your child, they may have been medically negligent, and you could be able to file a claim for compensation. 

Nothing can reverse the mental, emotional, physical and psychological distress that congenital hip dysplasia negligence can bring families, but a successful claim can help to alleviate some financial concerns that families can have in the wake of such a tragic event. 

Before a claim can be made, it is important to determine whether the cause of your child's dysplasia could be considered negligent. 

How can you know if you have a legitimate claim?

All patients are owed a duty of care. 

Nobody should have to see their child endure harm that could have been avoided if their medical staff had taken the right precautions.

Seeking legal assistance from a solicitor who has handled cases similar to yours will put you in the best position to understand your options and guide you through the process.

The correct lawyer can help you figure out if you have a case, how much you might be entitled to, and what to do next.

At SDS Solicitors, our skilled team have a lot of experience helping victims of medical malpractice get the compensation they deserve. We understand that nothing can ever take away or make up for the pain that you, those close to you and your child have gone through as a result of negligent medical care and are dedicated towards helping you get the compensation you deserve. 

At SDS Solicitors, we’re on your side.

To find out more about your next steps - including whether you could have a claim and what you could be entitled to - and how we can help you get there, get in touch with us today. 

​Contact our team

Our personal injury law firm is based in Manchester, and works closely with the community around the area, including handling birth injury claims from Bolton, Oldham, Rochdale, Prestwich, Bury and Radcliffe.

However, our medical negligence solicitors represent clients from anywhere in England and Wales, with no obligation to proceed beyond your free initial claim assessment. Contact us today using the number at the top of this page.

We know that discovering medical negligence may have played a part in your child's condition can be extremely upsetting, so we always treat enquiries with care and sensitivity.

To discuss your circumstances and find out whether you have grounds to make a Congenital Hip Dysplasia Compensation Claim, please get in touch today and we will be happy to help.