Scaphoid Fractures
If you've suffered because medical professionals failed to properly diagnose a scaphoid fracture, you may be entitled to significant compensation. The scaphoid bone in your wrist is particularly vulnerable to fractures from falls onto an outstretched hand, and when these injuries are missed or diagnosed late, it can lead to long-term complications including chronic pain, arthritis, and permanent loss of wrist function. At The Medical Law Partnership, we specialise in helping patients like you hold healthcare providers accountable for these diagnostic failures.
How common are errors in scaphoid fracture diagnosis?
Scaphoid fractures are among the most commonly missed fractures in emergency medicine. Studies suggest that up to 40% of scaphoid fractures may be initially overlooked, particularly in cases where the fracture isn’t clearly visible on standard X-rays. Many patients come to us after being told their wrist was just sprained, only to discover weeks or months later that they’d actually fractured this critical bone. The scaphoid’s unique blood supply means delayed diagnosis can have particularly serious consequences – the longer the fracture goes untreated, the higher the risk of non-union (where the bone fails to heal) or avascular necrosis (bone death). If you’ve experienced ongoing wrist problems because your scaphoid fracture wasn’t diagnosed when it should have been, we can help you seek justice.
The most frequent errors we see include doctors failing to order the appropriate imaging tests when a scaphoid fracture should have been suspected – particularly when patients present with the classic “snuffbox tenderness” (pain in the anatomical snuffbox area of the wrist). We’ve handled cases where medical staff didn’t arrange follow-up scans when initial X-rays were negative but clinical suspicion remained high, or where they failed to immobilise the wrist “just in case” while awaiting further investigation. Other common mistakes include misinterpreting imaging results, not referring patients to orthopaedic specialists when needed, or dismissing patients’ ongoing pain as a simple sprain. In some tragic cases we’ve seen, these delays have led to permanent wrist damage that might have been prevented with prompt diagnosis and proper casting or surgical intervention.
Beginning your claim with us is straightforward and designed to minimise stress during what may already be a difficult recovery period. When you first contact us, we’ll listen carefully to understand exactly what happened in your case – from your initial injury through to when the correct diagnosis was finally made. Our specialist solicitors have particular expertise in orthopaedic negligence cases and will explain the legal process in clear, compassionate terms. We’ll obtain all your medical records and arrange for independent orthopaedic experts to review whether your care met acceptable standards. You can proceed with confidence knowing we handle these cases on a no-win, no-fee basis, so you won’t face any financial risk in pursuing your claim. Throughout the process, we’ll handle all legal complexities while keeping you regularly updated in language you can understand.
The compensation you may receive depends on how the delayed diagnosis has impacted your life. For cases where you eventually healed well but endured unnecessary pain and prolonged treatment, compensation might cover your additional suffering and any lost earnings during extended recovery. In more serious cases where the delay led to non-union, avascular necrosis, or permanent wrist damage, your claim could include amounts for long-term loss of earning capacity (particularly if you work with your hands), costs of future medical treatment including potential surgeries, and compensation for your reduced quality of life. We’ve secured compensation for tradespeople who can no longer work, musicians who’ve lost dexterity, and patients facing lifelong arthritis because of missed scaphoid fractures. We’ll carefully assess all aspects of how this negligence has affected you – physically, emotionally, and financially – to ensure your claim reflects the true extent of your losses.
Most scaphoid fracture negligence claims take between two and four years to resolve, though straightforward cases where liability is quickly admitted may settle sooner. More complex cases – particularly those involving severe permanent disability or disputed medical evidence – often take longer, sometimes several years. The time frame depends on factors like how quickly we can obtain and analyse your complete medical records, whether the healthcare providers acknowledge their errors, and the clarity of your ongoing prognosis. While we’ll always work efficiently to progress your claim, we’ll never sacrifice thoroughness for speed when building your case. Throughout the process, we’ll provide regular updates and be available to answer your questions, ensuring you feel supported at every stage of your legal journey.
Contact The Medical Law Partnership today.
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