Hip Surgery Claims Solicitors

Hip surgery, or hip replacements can be lifechanging, with over 120,000 patients per year finding some relief from their symptoms and gaining back their mobility. Unfortunately, though, not everyone receives the standard and levels of care that they should expect, and many patients find themselves suffering as a result of medical negligence. Errors can mean that patients suffer unnecessary pain and need to undergo further treatment and surgery, and in some cases, tragically, negligent hip surgery can be fatal.

At Sheldon Davidson solicitors, we have a team of experts who specialise in helping hip surgery negligence victims to claim the compensation that they deserve. We do not believe that negligence is acceptable, or that you should have to suffer as a result of substandard care.

If you have had hip surgery, or a hip replacement, and you have suffered as a result, you may have grounds to make a claim for compensation.

If you are unsure or would like advice about what has happened to you, get in touch – we will listen to you and can advise you on what you can do.  

Do I have a hip surgery negligence claim?

Errors and failures in the care of hip surgery patients can have a devastating impact on their mobility and quality of life. When avoidable mistakes are made that impact on patients, those responsible should be held to account so that the victim can get the help that they need, and to avoid the same mistakes being made again.

Issues tend to arise when:

• there are issues with the prosthesis, such as the wrong size being used, or being placed incorrectly
• errors are made either at the pre-operative stage, or during surgery
• post-operative care is inadequate, leading to infections
• failure to diagnose and treat complications.

If you have been damaged as a result of substandard care, you may have grounds to make a claim for medical or clinical negligence. During an initial consultation one of our medical negligence team will be able to evaluate your case and will guide you through the process of making a claim if they believe that you have good cause. 

What am I entitled to?

If you have suffered pain, injury, or financial loss as a result of medical negligence at any stage of your treatment and hip surgery, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation. If you have lost a family member following negligent hip surgery, SDS can help you to make a claim on their behalf.

The amount that you are able to claim will depend on the extent of the damage that you have suffered and the impact on your day-to-day life as a result. General damages is the most commonly paid award, and is designed to compensate you for your pain, suffering, and any loss of amenity.

The amount that you can claim is calculated by considering of several factors, including:

• the extent of the damage or injury you have suffered
• the length of recovery time needed
• the impact on your long-term health or life expectancy.

In addition to general damages, you may be able to claim for any loss of income you have incurred as a result of missing work or lost business. When we take your case, we will have you assessed by one of our specialist doctors.

When we receive their medical report, we will be able to fully understand your situation and be better able to give you an estimate of the value of your claim.

When should I claim?

If you are considering making a claim for compensation following a hip replacement or negligent hip surgery, we recommend that you seek legal advice as soon as possible. You have three years from the date of the negligence occurring, or from the date that you became aware that your treatment was negligent, within which to make a claim. If you are unsure as to whether you have a grounds to make a claim, or whether your claim is still valid, speak to us for advice as soon as you can – we’re here to help.

What is hip replacement surgery and who needs it?

Each year, around 160,000 patients have hip replacement surgery as a way to help them to cope with issues caused by a broken or damaged hip joint. The procedure was pioneered in the 1960’s and since then hip replacements have helped many people to regain mobility, boosting their overall quality of life.

Hip replacements are usually necessary when the hip joint becomes worn or damaged; adults of any age may have the procedure, but the nature of the issues that make surgery necessary mean that most hip replacements tend to be performed on people over the age of 60. Osteoarthritis is the most common reason for hip replacement surgery, but other common causes include:

• hip fracture
• rheumatoid or septic arthritis
• conditions such as bone dysplasia that cause the bone to grow unusually.

Hip replacement surgery tends to be a last resort after all other (less invasive) potential treatment options have been exhausted. During surgery, the damaged joint is removed and replaced with an artificial joint or implant.  Usually done under general anaesthetic, or with a spinal anaesthetic or epidural, the surgery usually takes a couple of hours to complete. 

It is a major procedure with a recovery time of anything from several weeks, to a couple of months, depending on a range of factors such as the patient’s general health. A modern implant or artificial joint should last for at least 15 years, giving many patients a reduction in pain and improved mobility.

Hip resurfacing

Hip resurfacing is another type of hip surgery that may be an alternative to a full hip replacement. Damaged surfaces of the bone inside the hip joint are removed and replaced with metal. This type of surgery is less common these days and tended to only be performed on very active men.

Hip surgery may be done on one or both hips depending on the extent of the damage or wear and tear to the bone. Hip surgery tends to be a major procedure, and if it is not performed with care at every stage, the consequences can be severe, and potentially lifechanging.

If you believe that your hip surgery or any aspect of your care was performed negligently, get in touch. One of our hip surgery claims experts will be able to assess your case and advise you on your options.

What can go wrong with hip replacement surgery?

All of the healthcare professionals that you see regarding your hip owe you a duty of care, and this extends from diagnosis and referral to surgery and aftercare. If you feel that your GP was negligent in their treatment of you when you approached them for help with your hip, or that your surgeon, anaesthetist, or anyone else responsible for your care acted negligently, then you may have grounds to make a claim for compensation.

There are a number of circumstances that can give rise to a hip surgery claim, but some of the most common causes are:

• issues with the implant or component used, either due to defects or incorrect placement or fitting
• errors made during surgery
• infections post-surgery due to negligent care, including the failure to diagnose and treat promptly.

As a result of negligence, patients may be left with a range of issues. Some may suffer from pain as a result of an incorrectly sized or fitted prosthesis, which may require further surgery to correct.

Other risks include:

• blood clots in the leg or lung which needs urgent treatment
• loosening of the joint – approximately 5% of patients suffer from the implant becoming loose or the bone becoming unstable
• hip dislocation – occasionally the hip joint may come out of its socket, requiring further surgery to correct
• fractures
• nerve injury
• altered leg length
• infection.

What impact can negligent hip surgery have?

When hip surgery goes wrong the impact on the life of the patient can be devastating. Hip replacements are generally the last treatment option available, and when they fail to resolve a patient’s issues, they can be left without hope for a remedy. Their mobility may be seriously impacted, and they may be left suffering lifelong pain. In rare cases, patients have died as a result of negligent care or advice either before, after or during hip surgery.

If you, or a member of your family have suffered physically or mentally as a result of hip surgery negligence, you may need help to manage any resulting issues. You may need help with the cost of mobility aids or modifications to your environment, physiotherapy, or other treatments, or to compensate for any loss of income. Our hip surgery experts understand what you are going through and know how to get you the help that you need.  

Why choose Sheldon Davidson Solicitors?

If you have been damaged by negligent hip surgery, Sheldon Davidson Solicitors can help. Our medical negligence experts have extensive experience in this area of the law and know exactly how to get you the recompense and justice that you deserve. 

One of our team will assess your case, and if you have grounds to make a claim, they will be with you every step of the way, offering practical advice and support from beginning to end. We know the importance of getting the right advice and care following a case of negligence, and we will fight hard to get you what you need to adjust to what has happened, putting your interests at the forefront of every action we take.

Based in the North West, we work on behalf of clients nationwide - contact us today for an impartial assessment of your case without obligation.

Contact us

Established in Manchester in 1997, we are a leading specialist medical negligence, accident at work and personal injury law firm acting for claimants nationwide.

Our expert medical negligence solicitors regularly act for clients across Greater Manchester including Ashton, Bury, Bolton, Radcliffe, Prestwich, Middleton, Failsworth, Rochdale, Oldham and Whitefield.

Our team of recognised Hip Surgery Negligence Claims Solicitors can support your needs wherever you live in Wales, England & Northern Ireland.

Call us for free now using the number at the top of the page or complete the online contact form and a member of our team will get back to you.