Michael Boylan LLP secured €250,000 in damages for a client whose scaphoid fracture was missed at first presentation and subsequently dealt with surgically in a manner we say was inadequate.
Our client presented to an emergency department having sustained a wrist injury while playing Gaelic football. He had an x-ray; no fracture was noted. He was discharged with a splint and told he did not need to return.
Months later he was still in pain and attended for physiotherapy. The physiotherapist was unhappy with his presentation and referred him for an MRI. The MRI showed a fracture to the scaphoid bone in his left wrist. A repeat x-ray confirmed the fracture and a CT scan showed necrosis of the scaphoid bone. He required surgery and a bone graft.
It was our position that an earlier diagnosis and treatment would have avoided surgery and that the fracture would have reunited in a cast. It was also our position that the surgical approach taken to repair the bone was incorrect.
Our client continues to suffer from pain and limited mobility, including effects on driving and everyday activities. The defendant admitted liability but left us on proof of causation. The action settled for €250,000 together with all legal costs, immediately prior to the hearing date.