Nicola Evans, a medical negligence specialist, has acted for many clients in claims relating to the management of orthopaedic conditions. In particular, she has recently concluded a case concerning the management of an orthopaedic infection. This article will explore septic arthritis and what can go wrong if it is missed.
Septic Arthritis and Medical Negligence
Septic arthritis is a type of joint infection which requires immediate treatment in order for a patient to make a full recovery. Some people are more at risk of developing septic arthritis such as those with rheumatoid arthritis, those who have recently had joint surgery, and those with an artificial joint.
A delay in diagnosing and adequately treating septic arthritis may have devastating and sadly fatal consequences.
Case Study: The consequences of overlooking infection
A recent case that Nicola has pursued for a client concerned a delay in diagnosis and treatment of septic arthritis which tragically resulted in the death of the client’s partner.
The client’s partner was a well man with no pre-existing medical conditions. He led a healthy life and was active.
He attended a local A&E complaining of severe knee pain. He was given an x-ray, the working diagnosis was of a locked knee and he was discharged with a suspected right knee ligament sprain. He was discharged with a follow-up appointment for a few days later.
The following day, he returned to A&E as he had developed breathing problems. He suffered a cardiac arrest whilst in A&E and he was taken to Intensive Care where testing was carried out which revealed he was suffering with pneumonia and sepsis.
It was only at this time that an orthopaedic specialist suspected septic arthritis. A knee washout was performed, however it was sadly too late as he developed extensive organ failure passed away.
His cause of death was sepsis secondary to pneumonia and right knee septic arthritis.
The Defendant Trust admitted that he should have been referred to the orthopaedic department when he went to A&E on the first occasion. They also admitted that, had he been seen by a member of the orthopaedic department on his first attendance, he would have been diagnosed with septic arthritis, prescribed antibiotics and undergone a knee washout. This would have prevented further deterioration, and he would, on the balance of probabilities, have survived.
Following these admissions, Nicola assisted the client through a period of negotiations to reach a settlement. The physical capabilities and long-term prognosis of the client’s partner if he had been given a knee washout and survived, was a contested point with the Defendant Trust. A settlement was achieved compensating the client for the loss of support and
Whilst no amount of compensation could make up for the passing of her partner, it enabled her to begin rebuilding her life and allowed her some closure.
Have you experienced negligent medical treatment?
If you are concerned that you or a loved one may have been the victim of a delayed diagnosis or inappropriate management of septic arthritis or negligent orthopaedic treatment and wish to seek answers, please get in touch with one of our medical negligence specialists on 0800 987 8800 or make a free online enquiry here and we will contact you. Alternatively, email us at: medneg@bmcf.co.uk.
About Nicola Evans
Nicola Evans is a qualified solicitor and a partner at Bridge McFarland LLP.
Nicola specialises in complex claims involving difficult causation arguments and assessment of damages with a particular interest in helping women to rebuild their lives after traumatic birthing injuries. She has acted on a number of claims covering all areas of medicine, in particular, gynaecological/obstetric injury including the loss of a baby, orthopaedic/vascular issues leading to amputation and delayed diagnosis of cancer claims. She also has significant experience supporting bereaved families when a death was preventable and has supported families through the Coronial Inquest process.
In February 2025 Nicola was awarded the Law Society’s Accreditation for Clinical Negligence which supports her wealth of experience within the field of medical negligence claims.
Medical Negligence Specialists – Bridge McFarland LLP
medicalnegligence.co.uk is owned and operated by Bridge McFarland LLP, an established and nationally recognised law firm renowned for specialist expertise and experience in this complex area of law. With our determination and commitment to providing our clients with an exceptional standard of service, we have held the highly regarded Lexcel quality mark since June 2008. Many of our solicitors also hold the specialist Law Society Clinical Negligence Accreditation, a recognised quality standard for practitioners representing claimants in medical negligence matters. These accolades are only awarded to firms who have undergone regular rigorous and independent assessments.
