Hip Surgery and Hip Replacement Claims Solicitors

Though hip replacements are more common among older people, it has become commonplace for people as early as their 40s to have their first procedure. Most artificial hips have a lifespan of 15-20 years, and then 10-15 years for each replacement thereafter.

As is the case with any surgical procedure, there is some inherent risk – and this risk increases based on the age of the patient and the number of revision surgeries performed. Most hip surgeries are performed with a good level of care and attention, causing no ill effects to patients in the short or long-term.

But, sadly, this is not always the case. If a surgeon selects the wrong size component or hip implant, or damages the peripheral nerves or blood vessels in the affected area, this can have serious ramifications for a patient’s health, mobility, finances, lifestyle and more.

As noted earlier, there is a limit to the number of times someone can undergo a hip replacement and achieve a desired outcome. Furthermore, the risk to the patient increases with each subsequent procedure – any mistake can have long-term consequences on how effective and long-lasting the replacement is.

Often, hip surgery negligence will involve the wrong size or type of prosthesis being used, or the prosthesis being fitted incorrectly. If the artificial component is not positioned correctly or securely, it can gradually become loose and unstable, even if the surgery initially appears to have been successful.

Over time this can cause significant pain and discomfort, and affect both the affected person’s range of movement and stability. In severe cases, tissue damage may be caused if loose components break free and shatter, which could cause infection and permanent mobility problems even after corrective surgery.

It is also important that the surgeon ensures that there is not too much of a difference between the length of each leg following surgery. If there is then this could lead to significant problems with mobility, gait and pain.

Other issues that can negatively affect the outcome of a hip replacement surgery include:

• Poor pre-operative assessment and monitoring

• Nerve damage caused during surgery

• Damage to tissues, cartilage, ligaments or veins

• Failure to address bleeding following the operation

• Infection to an open wound or transferred from a prosthetic

• Anaesthesia awareness

• Substandard follow-up care

If you or a loved one has suffered as a result of one or more of the above, we are here to help you secure compensation for the surgical errors you have endured.

Compensation cannot take you back to before your hip replacement surgery. But, it can give you and your family the financial support you need to get you back to the position you were in prior to your injuries. Or, where this is not possible, help make your future as comfortable and secure as possible.

Compensation in a medical negligence claim is split into two parts:

General damages – covers the costs of any pain, suffering and loss of amenity (PSLA) that you endured due to a healthcare professional’s negligence.

Special damages and future losses and expenses – covers the financial impact of negligence in your specific circumstances, taking into account factors such as age, economic status, long-term care requirements and dependents.

The compensation you receive following a successful hip surgery claim can pay towards numerous requirements, including (but not limited to):

• Loss of earnings

• Adaptations to the home or vehicles

• Aids and equipment, such as wheelchairs and mobility scooters

• The salaries of care assistants

• Future procedures and corrective surgeries

• Physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and other ongoing therapies

• Psychological treatments and therapies

As experienced solicitors, we work hard to ensure that every orthopaedic surgery compensation claim we pursue achieves a successful outcome for our clients.

In most cases, a hip surgery claim must be made within 3 years of the injury being realised. However, there are exceptions to this rule:

• Children making a claim have until their 21st birthday

• There is no time limit for anyone who is mentally incapacitated

• If the claimant passes away within the 3-year window, the 3 years start again from their date of death

Furthermore, the Court does have discretion to allow a claim to be brought out of time. Get in touch with us and we can discuss your specific circumstances.