Knee Replacement Claims

Can I claim for a failed knee replacement?

The knee joint is one of the most complex in the human body. Sometimes the knee can wear away, suffer damage or become diseased – which can then mean surgery is required to replace all or part of the joint.

Knee replacement surgery – or arthroplasty – will usually go ahead without any problems. But unfortunately, things can sometimes go wrong. If you’ve been harmed as a result of a surgeon or doctor’s negligence, you could make a knee replacement claim.

You may have suffered from knee surgery negligence if you:

• Contracted an infection post-surgery
• Had an incorrectly placed knee implant
• Suffered nerve or muscle damage
• Sustained broken bones during surgery
• Were fitted with a faulty knee replacement

Each of these complications can have severe and even life-changing consequences. If you’ve been affected, you could be entitled to compensation and support for the negligence you suffered.

To find out if we could help you, get in touch with our friendly claims team. We’ll talk to you about your situation and let you know if you have a strong case.

Complications of knee replacements – the importance of consultation

Thousands of knee replacement surgeries are carried out in the UK each year, and it is generally a safe procedure. But as with any surgery, there are risks associated with it. This is why it’s so important that you’re properly consulted before undergoing the operation.

Medical professionals have a duty to explain all the potential complications that could result from a knee replacement, so that you can provide what’s called informed consent.

They should consider your age, general health and any underlying conditions when consulting you, as these factors could all affect the level of risk involved.

If your doctor or surgeon failed to properly inform you of the risks related to your surgery and you went on to suffer complications, you could bring a knee replacement claim against them.

How can First4Lawyers help?

Our medical negligence solicitors have years of combined experience in this area of law. They’ll speak to you about your situation and build a case on your behalf, gathering evidence to strengthen your claim and secure you the best outcome.

We understand that the thought of making a claim can seem daunting, especially when you’re in physical pain. But if your quality of life has worsened, it’s only right that the individual, hospital or NHS trust responsible is held to account.

We work on a No Win No Fee basis for these types of claims. So there will be nothing to pay us upfront and no legal fees to cover if your case is unsuccessful.

Knee replacement claim FAQs

How much compensation could I get for a knee replacement failure?

If your knee replacement claim is successful, the amount of compensation you receive will largely depend on the severity of your injuries and how they’ve impacted your life.

Your final settlement will also take into account:

• Any care provided – usually by family and friends
• Lost or reduced earnings due to time taken off work
• Medical costs – such as physiotherapy fees or prescription charges
• The cost of specialist equipment or home adaptations
• The psychological impact of your injuries

Your solicitor will be able to provide a more accurate valuation of your claim after gathering the details of your case. They will negotiate with the other side to get you the settlement you deserve, so you can feel confident that any compensation you receive is reflective of your injuries.

Is there a time limit on when I can make a knee replacement claim?

There is usually a three-year time limit on knee replacement claims. This could be three years from the date of your surgery or from when you first became aware of the negligence – known as the date of knowledge.

Although three years sounds like a long time, we would always recommend seeking legal advice as early as you’re able to. This will help to make it easier for your solicitor to access key evidence such as medical records and witness accounts.

It may also be easier for you to remember the details of your treatment if you speak to a solicitor sooner rather than later.

I think I have a knee replacement claim – what should I do?

If you suffered negligence before, during or after your knee replacement surgery, the first thing you should do is seek further medical attention.

We understand that you may feel hesitant to do this after what you’ve been through. But it’s important that you’re fully checked over to prevent any more damage to the joint.

After this, you might consider making a knee replacement claim. Our advisors are here to talk you through the process and answer any questions you may have. And if we think you have a strong case, we’ll ask if you’d like to be put in touch with one of our dedicated solicitors.

There won’t be any pressure to go forward at this point, and you can always call us back if you need time to think over your decision.

To find out more about how we could support you, give us a call on the number at the top of the screen or request a callback. We also have a quick and easy online claims form if you’d prefer to contact us this way.

We’re here to help whenever you’re ready.