Successful claim for damages brought against Airedale NHS Trust for untreated fracture
Nigel was 36 years when he fell and fractured his left ankle in February 2009. He attended the A&E department at Airedale General Hospital, where he was diagnosed with a fracture and dislocation of the left ankle. Surgery was not performed as the ankle was too swollen so the ankle was put into a cast.
Over the next four months, Nigel attended numerous follow up appointments at the Airedale General Hospital and it was confirmed that the fracture was healing and an air cast boot support was provided in order for him to fully weight bear. Nigel however, was still in a lot of pain and was still unable to return to work.
In January 2010, Nigel went for further X-rays which showed that the ankle was malformed and the previous X-rays had been misread and the advice given by the hospital to weight bear was wrong. Nigel’s ankle remained swollen and painful. He underwent fusion surgery in June 2010 to try and salvage the ankle and recent X-rays have indicated that that there is some union but recovery will be slow.
As a result Nigel continues to experience pain when walking and he can no longer climb stairs. He also had a long period of time off work due to the pain and delay in appropriate treatment.
Following an early admission of negligence from the Trust, investigations into his condition and prognosis took place and a settlement has now been reached for his pain and suffering and losses incurred as a result of the negligence.
Sarah Coles from our Clinical Negligence Team in Leeds helped Nigel claim £58,000 in compensation. Sarah said “Nigel has and continues to suffer a great deal of pain as a result of the Trusts delay in treatment. He has had to undergo further surgery and this has had a big impact on all aspects of his life. It’s just hoped that this sort of error can be avoided in the future, so others do not have to go through what my client has.”