Claiming Compensation for Nerve Injury after Orthopaedic Surgery
Nerves perform absolutely essential functions in the human body. It is our nerves which respond to the many and varied stimuli both inside and outside the body and which prompt us to take action.
The function of nerves
Recognising the sensation that our bladder is full and initiating the action to relieve the situation are both functions of the nerves.
Feeling the sensation of pain in our feet or hands, or indeed elsewhere in the body, and acting to remove the pain are functions of our nervous system.
Turning away from bright lights and stopping at traffic lights are the result of receptors in our eyes recognising the situation before us and instructing the muscles to act accordingly.
Our nerves take messages of sensation from all over the body to the brain where they are processed. Messages of instruction to all parts of the body are then passed along the nerves to the muscles carry out responses.
If a nerve becomes damaged, an individual may suffer what is termed neurological damage. This means that they lose either the sensory or movement function of that nerve. Or both. The outcome of such losses can be devastating and debilitating.
Orthopaedic surgery and nerve damage
Orthopaedic surgery can risk damage to the nerves local to the site of surgery.
A hip replacement, for example, risk damage to the femoral nerve which passes through the pelvic region and close to the hip joint.
Damage to the femoral nerve, be it compression or an injury, can reduce the individual's mobility due to subsequent reduction in sensation and movement in the leg.
The peroneal nerve can be damaged during surgery for a knee replacement. This can result in loss of mobility if the patient suffers foot drop, where the ankle reflex is lost, as a result.
Surgery to the shoulder can also result in injuries of compression of damage to the nerves around the shoulder such as the axillary nerve, resulting in possible long-term problems with arm and hand function.
Such an injury should be avoided or, at least, identified at the earliest opportunity.
If a patient suffers a nerve injury during orthopaedic surgery, the relevant medical professional may be regarded as having provided substandard care.
If the patient suffers long-term disability, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
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If you or a loved one are considering making a compensation claim for the impact of a significant failing in medical care, you need specialist legal support.
Glynns Solicitors is a specialist medical negligence legal practice with wide-ranging expertise. Contact us today to discuss your situation with an experienced solicitor.
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