Compartment Syndrome Claims
If you’ve suffered complications due to delayed diagnosis or treatment of compartment syndrome, our specialist medical negligence solicitors may be able to help you claim compensation.
What is compartment syndrome?
Compartment syndrome occurs when nerves and blood vessels are compressed within a muscle compartment, leading to impaired blood flow. Failure to identify and treat compartment syndrome can lead to severe and permanent damage to the muscles and nerves.
Case study | £50,000 damages for compartment syndrome after knee surgery
Compartment Syndrome can develop quickly after an injury and can occur in the arm, leg, foot and abdomen. Whilst a fracture or crush injury is the most likely cause of compartment syndrome, some patients also develop it following surgery.
It can also occur from external compression (i.e. bandages or a plaster cast that is too tight) or internal compression (such as internal bleeding).
Why choose Barcan and Kirby for your compartment syndrome claim?
We are proud to be independently recognised as one of the leading Medical Negligence teams in the South West. This includes:
- A Band 1 ranking by Chambers and Partners UK and the Legal 500 for our medical negligence practice
- Several members of our Medical Negligence team are recognised by Chambers and Partners and Legal 500 for their expertise
- Our team is headed up by panel members of Action Against Medical Accidents (AvMA)
- We are accredited by the Law Society’s Clinical Negligence Accreditation Scheme
During your claim, and where necessary, our medical negligence lawyers will work with various external experts to ensure your case is managed to the highest standard. These include barristers, cost lawyers and charities.
Compartment syndrome FAQs
Symptoms of Compartment Syndrome include:
- Severe pain and paleness of skin in the affected limb
- Weakness and decreased sensation/numbness
- The skin over the compartment may also be swollen and shiny
If diagnosed quickly, the prognosis for recovery of the muscles and nerves within the compartment is good. However severe cases may require fasciotomy surgery to improve blood flow and prevent development of a permanent disability. This involves an incision being made in the fascia to release the pressure with the wound being left open for several days. Further surgery is required to close the wound and a skin graft may be required.
If you feel you may have a medical negligence claim, call our team on 0117 325 2929 who will be happy to discuss your options.
Making a claim for compartment syndrome
Most claims for compartment syndrome are due to delayed diagnosis or to a delay in treatment once diagnosed.
If you’ve suffered compartment syndrome due to medical malpractice or you’re considering a claim for pain, disability or scarring caused by compartment syndrome, our specialist medical negligence lawyers can advise you.
Our solicitors help clients across the UK from our offices in Bristol, in Bedminster, Bishopston, Bristol city centre, Kingswood and Thornbury. To discuss your potential compartment syndrome claim, call 0117 325 2929 or complete our online enquiry form.