Missed Fracture Claims

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Missed Fracture Claims – How to Claim Compensation for Misdiagnosed Bone Injuries

A missed fracture occurs when a medical professional fails to diagnose a broken bone following an accident or injury. These types of medical negligence claims are more common than many realise, and the consequences can be serious—leading to prolonged pain, delayed treatment, permanent disability, or even long-term health complications. If you have suffered due to a missed or misdiagnosed fracture, you may be entitled to compensation.
What Is a Missed Fracture?
A missed fracture is a type of diagnostic error where a healthcare provider—such as an A&E doctor, GP, or radiologist—fails to identify a broken bone on an X-ray or during a clinical examination. This can happen due to:
  • Inadequate assessment or examination
  • Failure to order an X-ray or scan
  • Misinterpretation of X-ray results
  • Poor communication between medical staff
When a fracture goes undiagnosed, patients may be sent home with incorrect advice or inadequate treatment, which can cause further harm and complicate recovery.
Common Types of Missed Fractures
Certain types of fractures are more frequently missed than others, particularly when symptoms are subtle. These include:
  • Scaphoid fractures (wrist)
  • Hip fractures (common in the elderly)
  • Stress fractures (particularly in the feet or legs)
  • Spinal fractures
  • Rib fractures
  • Pelvic fractures
Missed fractures in children are also common due to growth plates and developing bones that can obscure the injury on imaging.
Consequences of a Missed Fracture
Failure to diagnose a fracture can have significant consequences, including:
  • Prolonged pain and suffering
  • Worsening of the fracture
  • Infection or necrosis (in cases of open fractures)
  • Permanent mobility issues or deformity
  • Need for more invasive surgery due to delayed treatment
  • Loss of earnings from extended time off work
  • Psychological distress
All of these can be taken into account when calculating your fracture misdiagnosis compensation.
Can I Claim for a Missed Fracture?
Yes, if your injury worsened due to the failure of a medical professional to correctly diagnose a fracture, you may be able to make a medical negligence claim. In order to be eligible for missed fracture compensation, you must prove:
  1. A duty of care was owed by the medical professional or hospital.
  2. That duty was breached through negligent action or inaction.
  3. The breach directly caused you harm or further injury.
Medical professionals are expected to follow standard diagnostic procedures. If they failed to meet these standards and it resulted in a missed fracture, you have a strong basis for a claim.
Who Can I Claim Against?
Depending on where the negligence occurred, you may be able to bring a claim against:
  • NHS hospitals
  • Private clinics
  • Urgent care centres
  • GPs or walk-in doctors
  • Radiology departments
Whether the fracture was missed by an NHS doctor or a private consultant, you still have the legal right to pursue compensation for the harm caused.
How Much Compensation for a Missed Fracture?
Missed fracture compensation amounts vary depending on the location and severity of the fracture, the impact on your life, and the long-term consequences. Here are some typical compensation payouts based on Judicial College Guidelines:
  • Wrist fractures: £3,000 – £47,000
  • Hip fractures: £11,000 – £55,000
  • Ankle fractures: £12,000 – £60,000
  • Spinal fractures: £10,000 – £150,000+
  • Skull fractures: £14,000 – £300,000+ (in cases of brain damage)
In addition to general damages for pain and suffering, you can also claim special damages, such as:
  • Lost wages or loss of earning potential
  • Cost of private medical treatment or physiotherapy
  • Travel costs for medical appointments
  • Home adaptations or mobility aids
How to Make a Missed Fracture Claim
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to start your missed fracture compensation claim:
  1. Seek medical advice immediately if your condition has worsened.
  2. Gather evidence, including X-rays, medical records, and written reports.
  3. Document your pain and suffering, including photographs and a symptom diary.
  4. Contact a specialist medical negligence solicitor with experience in missed fracture claims.
  5. The solicitor will assess your case, gather expert opinions, and file your claim.
Most law firms offer a No Win, No Fee agreement, meaning you won’t pay anything upfront and only pay if your claim is successful.
Time Limits for Missed Fracture Claims
In the UK, you generally have three years from the date of the negligent incident—or from when you first became aware of the negligence—to start a claim. There are some exceptions:
  • Children: Claims can be made up to their 21st birthday.
  • Mental capacity: No time limit applies if the injured person lacks mental capacity.
  • Delayed diagnosis: The three-year period may start from the ‘date of knowledge’ when you became aware the fracture was missed.
Why Choose a Specialist Missed Fracture Solicitor?
Medical negligence cases can be complex and require expert legal and medical understanding. Choosing a solicitor who specialises in missed or delayed diagnosis claims ensures:
  • Access to top medical experts to review your case
  • A strong and well-prepared case for compensation
  • Clear guidance through each step of the legal process
  • The best chance of securing maximum compensation
Real-Life Case Study
Missed Scaphoid Fracture in A&E
A 29-year-old woman visited A&E after a fall on her wrist. An X-ray was taken, but the fracture was missed. She was discharged without proper treatment. After weeks of worsening pain, a second opinion revealed a scaphoid fracture requiring surgery. She made a successful claim against the NHS, receiving £25,000 in compensation for pain, suffering, lost income, and rehabilitation costs.
Start Your Missed Fracture Claim Today
If you’ve suffered due to a missed or delayed fracture diagnosis, don’t suffer in silence. Our team of medical negligence experts is here to help you secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
Free consultation
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Specialist solicitors in misdiagnosis and fracture claims
Contact us today or use our quick online claim form to start your missed fracture claim with confidence.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Criteria for Making a Missed Fracture Claim?
A missed fracture claim is a type of medical negligence compensation claim made when a medical professional fails to diagnose a broken bone, leading to unnecessary pain, delayed treatment, or long-term health issues. If a fracture is misdiagnosed or overlooked, and this causes your condition to worsen, you may be entitled to claim compensation.
To succeed in a claim, certain legal criteria must be met. Below, we explain the key conditions for making a missed fracture compensation claim and how to start the process.
When Can You Make a Missed Fracture Claim?
You may be eligible to make a missed fracture negligence claim if:
  • A healthcare provider (NHS or private) failed to identify your fracture.
  • You suffered additional pain, damage, or complications as a result.
  • The failure was due to substandard medical care.
This may include doctors failing to order X-rays, misreading scan results, or not referring you to a specialist. Commonly missed fractures include wrist (scaphoid), hip, ankle, spine, and foot fractures.
Criteria for Making a Missed Fracture Compensation Claim
To bring a successful claim, your solicitor must prove three things:
1. Duty of Care
The medical professional or healthcare provider must have owed you a legal duty of care. All doctors, nurses, and radiologists have a duty to provide patients with reasonable and competent care.
2. Breach of Duty
It must be shown that the healthcare provider breached this duty. For example, failing to interpret an X-ray correctly, not ordering a scan, or discharging you without proper diagnosis could all be considered breaches.
3. Causation (Harm Caused)
You must have suffered avoidable harm as a result of the misdiagnosis. This could include prolonged pain, delayed recovery, need for further surgery, or even permanent disability.
If these three legal elements are proven, you may be awarded missed fracture compensation.
What Evidence Do You Need?
To support your missed fracture claim, your solicitor will typically gather:
  • Medical records (e.g. hospital visits, GP notes, X-ray results)
  • Independent medical reports from experts
  • Photographic evidence of injury or swelling
  • A timeline of symptoms and how they progressed
  • Witness statements, if available
This evidence helps demonstrate both the negligence and the impact on your health and daily life.
Time Limit to Claim
You usually have three years from the date of the negligent incident or from the date you discovered the fracture was missed. Exceptions apply for children (until age 21) or those lacking mental capacity.
Speak to a Medical Negligence Solicitor
If you believe you have a valid misdiagnosed fracture claim, it’s important to seek legal advice from a specialist solicitor. Most work on a No Win, No Fee basis, so you won’t pay anything upfront.
If you’ve suffered due to a missed or misdiagnosed fracture, you may be wondering: Can I make a missed fracture claim? The answer depends on a few key factors. While not everyone is eligible to claim, many people are entitled to missed fracture compensation if the negligence of a medical professional caused their injury to worsen.
In this guide, we explain who can make a missed fracture claim, the eligibility criteria, and how to get started with a No Win, No Fee medical negligence solicitor.
What Is a Missed Fracture?
A missed fracture happens when a medical professional fails to identify a broken bone during an examination, scan, or X-ray. This can occur in A&E departments, GP surgeries, walk-in centres, or private clinics. When left untreated, fractures can become more serious, causing prolonged pain, disability, or the need for surgery.
Common examples of missed fracture types include:
  • Scaphoid fractures (wrist)
  • Hip fractures
  • Spinal fractures
  • Ankle and foot fractures
  • Stress fractures
  • Rib and pelvic fractures
Who Can Make a Missed Fracture Compensation Claim?
You may be eligible to claim compensation for a missed fracture if:
  • You were owed a duty of care by a medical professional (NHS or private).
  • That duty was breached due to misdiagnosis, failure to order tests, or poor interpretation of results.
  • You suffered avoidable harm as a result (e.g. pain, mobility issues, surgery, long-term damage).
This applies whether the injury happened due to:
  • An A&E doctor failing to diagnose a broken bone
  • A GP misreading symptoms and not referring for an X-ray
  • A radiologist overlooking a fracture on a scan
  • Poor aftercare following a suspected fracture
Can Children or the Elderly Make a Missed Fracture Claim?
Yes. Parents or guardians can make a claim on behalf of a child under the age of 18. The standard three-year time limit for medical negligence claims begins from the child’s 18th birthday, allowing them to claim until they turn 21.
For elderly patients—especially those who have suffered a missed hip fracture or spinal injury—claims can also be made, provided they were mentally capable at the time. If they lack mental capacity, there may be no time limit for making a claim.
What If I Only Realised Later That My Fracture Was Missed?
You can still claim. In many cases, patients only discover the error months later after continued pain or follow-up scans. In such cases, the three-year limitation period begins from the date of knowledge—the date you found out about the negligence.
Start Your Missed Fracture Claim Today
If you’ve suffered due to a missed or delayed fracture diagnosis, speak to a specialist medical negligence solicitor today. Most offer a free consultation and work on a No Win, No Fee basis—so there’s no financial risk to start your claim.
If you’ve suffered due to a missed or misdiagnosed fracture, you may be considering pursuing a missed fracture compensation claim. One of the most common questions people ask is: How long does a missed fracture claim take?
While there’s no fixed timeframe, most missed fracture claims take between 12 to 36 months, depending on the complexity of the case, the extent of the injuries, and whether the responsible party admits liability early.
In this guide, we explain the factors that affect how long it takes to process a missed fracture claim, what to expect during the claims process, and how to get started.
What Is a Missed Fracture Claim?
A missed fracture happens when a healthcare professional, such as a GP, A&E doctor, or radiologist, fails to diagnose a broken bone. This type of medical negligence can cause serious complications, including:
  • Increased pain and suffering
  • Delayed healing
  • Risk of permanent damage or disability
  • The need for more invasive treatment or surgery
If you’ve experienced harm due to a delayed or missed diagnosis, you may be entitled to medical negligence compensation.
How Long Does a Missed Fracture Claim Take?
The length of time to process your claim depends on several key factors:
1. Admission of Liability
If the NHS or private healthcare provider accepts responsibility early, your claim may settle in 12–18 months. However, if liability is denied, your solicitor may need to issue court proceedings, which can take longer.
2. Severity of the Injury
The more serious your injury, the more time it may take to assess the long-term medical impact. Your solicitor may recommend waiting until your condition is stable (also known as medical prognosis) before settling to ensure you receive the maximum compensation.
3. Independent Medical Reports
Your solicitor will arrange independent medical assessments to provide expert evidence. Waiting for appointments and specialist reports can add several months to the process.
4. Court Timetables (if applicable)
If your case goes to court, the legal timetable will extend the process. However, most missed fracture claims settle before reaching trial.
Typical Timeline for a Missed Fracture Claim
StageTimeframe
Initial assessment1–2 weeks
Gathering evidence1–3 months
Independent medical report3–6 months
Negotiation and settlement6–18 months
If court is involved18–36 months total
Can You Speed Up the Process?
You can help your solicitor by providing:
  • Full medical records and injury details
  • A timeline of events
  • Photos or diaries documenting pain and treatment
  • Receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses
The quicker the evidence is gathered, the sooner your claim can be progressed.
Start Your Missed Fracture Claim Today
If your fracture was misdiagnosed or left untreated, don’t wait. Contact our team of expert medical negligence solicitors today. We offer No Win, No Fee support and will guide you through every step of the claims process to secure the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve suffered due to a missed or misdiagnosed fracture, you may be entitled to claim medical negligence compensation. One of the most common questions people ask is: How much can I expect to receive in compensation for a missed fracture claim?
The compensation amount depends on several factors, including the type and severity of the fracture, how the delay in diagnosis affected your recovery, and any financial losses you’ve experienced. Below, we break down how missed fracture compensation is calculated and what you may be entitled to claim.
What Is a Missed Fracture?
A missed fracture occurs when a medical professional fails to identify or properly diagnose a broken bone. This can lead to:
  • Delayed treatment
  • Worsening of the injury
  • Chronic pain or long-term disability
  • Need for surgery or further medical intervention
Missed fractures often happen in A&E departments, GP practices, or walk-in centres, especially with injuries to the wrist (scaphoid), foot, ankle, spine, hip, and ribs.
If your condition worsened because of medical negligence, you may be eligible to claim compensation.
How Is Compensation for a Missed Fracture Calculated?
The total amount of compensation you may receive for a missed fracture claim is typically made up of two parts:
1. General Damages
This compensates you for the pain, suffering, and loss of amenity you’ve experienced due to the delayed or incorrect diagnosis. The value depends on the location and severity of the fracture and any long-term complications.
Estimated amounts (based on Judicial College Guidelines) include:
  • Wrist fracture (minor, full recovery): £3,000 – £7,500
  • Scaphoid fracture with lasting pain: £10,000 – £20,000
  • Hip fracture (moderate): £12,000 – £25,000
  • Serious ankle fracture: £25,000 – £45,000
  • Spinal fractures (moderate): £27,000 – £60,000
  • Multiple fractures with long-term issues: £50,000 – £100,000+
2. Special Damages
This covers any financial losses directly caused by the missed diagnosis, including:
  • Loss of earnings (past and future)
  • Travel expenses
  • Cost of private treatment or physiotherapy
  • Care and support costs
  • Mobility aids or home adaptations
These vary from person to person and will be calculated based on evidence such as wage slips, receipts, and medical records.
Can I Claim on a No Win, No Fee Basis?
Yes, most missed fracture claims are handled on a No Win, No Fee basis. This means you won’t pay anything upfront, and you only pay a fee if your case is successful—typically a percentage of the final compensation.
Get Free Advice on Your Missed Fracture Claim
If your fracture was missed or misdiagnosed due to NHS or private medical negligence, you could be entitled to compensation. Speak to a medical negligence solicitor today to find out how much your missed fracture claim could be worth.

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