Missed Fracture Claims: A Complete Guide to Medical Negligence Compensation
When you break a bone, you expect it to be diagnosed and treated quickly, so you can begin your recovery. But sometimes fractures are missed by doctors, A&E staff, radiologists, or GPs — and this delay in diagnosis can lead to serious, avoidable complications.
If a missed fracture has caused you unnecessary pain, prolonged recovery, or lasting damage, you may be entitled to claim compensation. This guide explains how missed fracture claims work, what you could be entitled to, and how our medical negligence solicitors can help.
What is a Missed Fracture Claim?
A missed fracture claim is a type of medical negligence case where a broken bone is not diagnosed or treated correctly, leading to further harm. Rather than receiving appropriate care at the right time, the patient is either misdiagnosed, sent home without treatment, or given incorrect advice — causing the fracture to worsen.
Examples of missed fracture cases include:
- A hospital doctor fails to spot a clear fracture on an X-ray
- A GP dismisses a patient’s symptoms as a sprain or soft tissue injury
- A radiologist overlooks a small but significant break
- A child’s fracture is missed, causing long-term growth problems
- An elderly patient is discharged with an undiagnosed hip or wrist fracture
If this has happened to you, and it’s led to avoidable pain, complications, or a longer recovery, you may have grounds to make a claim.
How to Make a Missed Fracture Claim
We understand that starting a legal claim while you’re still in pain or recovering can feel overwhelming — which is why we’ve made the process simple and supportive:
Step 1: Book a Free Consultation
Get in touch with our friendly team for a no-obligation, confidential chat. We’ll listen to what happened, assess your situation, and explain whether you have a valid claim.
Step 2: Collect Key Information
To build your claim, we’ll gather vital evidence, including:
- Dates and details of your appointments and symptoms
- X-rays, scans, and medical records
- Any subsequent medical opinions or reports
- Photos of visible injuries (if applicable)
- Details of the additional pain, treatment, or complications caused by the delay
- Evidence of financial losses (like time off work or travel costs)
Once we’ve collected this information, your case will be handled by a solicitor with specific experience in medical negligence and missed fracture claims.
What If the Hospital or GP Denies Responsibility?
If the healthcare provider disputes liability, it doesn’t mean your claim ends there. Your solicitor can:
- Review your medical records and scans
- Consult independent medical experts for second opinions
- Investigate whether standard medical guidelines were breached
- Compare your treatment to NHS or private healthcare protocols
- Negotiate with the hospital’s legal team and insurers
- Pursue court action if necessary
Well-documented medical evidence and expert reports are key to securing a fair outcome in missed fracture cases.
Who Can Make a Missed Fracture Claim?
You may be eligible to claim compensation if:
- A fracture you suffered was missed, misdiagnosed, or not properly treated
- The missed diagnosis caused additional pain, complications, or delays in recovery
- You suffered long-term consequences or needed further medical treatment because of the error
Claims can be made by:
- The injured person themselves
- A family member acting on behalf of a child or vulnerable adult
- The estate of a loved one if the mistake contributed to their death
What Can You Claim for in a Missed Fracture Case?
The value of your claim depends on how serious the consequences of the missed fracture were, and how it has affected your life. A successful claim can cover:
- Medical expenses: The cost of corrective treatment, surgery, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain, mental distress, and emotional impact of avoidable suffering
- Lost earnings: Income lost while recovering or if your long-term working ability has been affected
- Care costs: Costs of help with daily tasks or mobility support
- Travel expenses: Journeys to and from hospital, GP, or specialist appointments
- Future treatment costs: Ongoing care, therapy, or surgery you might need
- Adaptations: Changes to your home, car, or lifestyle if you’re left with lasting problems
Your solicitor will make sure every part of your financial, physical, and emotional losses are included in your claim.
Can You Claim on Behalf of a Family Member?
Yes — you may be able to make a claim on behalf of a loved one if they:
- Are under 18
- Lack mental capacity
- Have sadly passed away due to complications of a missed fracture
In fatal cases, family members may also be entitled to claim for funeral costs, dependency losses, and the emotional effects of losing a loved one.
How Long Does a Missed Fracture Claim Take?
The time it takes to settle a claim depends on:
- Whether the healthcare provider admits fault
- The complexity of your injuries and recovery
- Whether medical reports and future care assessments are needed
- Disputes about evidence or liability
Straightforward cases with clear evidence can settle in a few months. More complicated or serious claims involving long-term effects might take a year or longer.
We’ll manage the entire process for you, keep you updated, and handle the legal side while you focus on recovery.
Are Missed Fracture Claims More Complex Than Other Negligence Cases?
Missed fracture claims can involve specific challenges, as they must prove:
- That a healthcare professional failed to diagnose a fracture that should have been spotted
- That this failure caused additional harm, delay, or complications
- The long-term medical and financial consequences of the mistake
They often require expert medical opinions and careful examination of X-rays, scans, and hospital notes.
That’s why it’s so important to work with a solicitor experienced in handling missed fracture and medical negligence claims.
We’re Here to Support You
A missed fracture can disrupt your life physically, emotionally, and financially — but you don’t have to go through it alone.
Our specialist medical negligence solicitors are here to:
- Support you through every stage of the claims process
- Help you access the medical treatment, financial relief, and justice you deserve
- Fight for the maximum compensation you’re entitled to
Contact us today for your free, confidential consultation — and take the first step towards justice, recovery, and peace of mind.