Scoliosis Surgery Negligence
Scoliosis surgery is a complex procedure that, when performed correctly, can significantly improve the quality of life for those affected by abnormal curvature of the spine. However, when medical negligence occurs, the consequences can be life-changing, leading to severe complications such as nerve damage, paralysis or ongoing pain.
Scoliosis surgery negligence can result from surgical errors, delayed diagnosis, improper treatment, or a failure to inform patients of the risks involved. If you or a loved one has suffered due to negligent medical care during scoliosis treatment, you may be entitled to compensation for the harm caused.
At JMW, we specialise in handling medical negligence claims, including those arising from scoliosis surgery. Our team of experts is here to support you in securing the spinal injury compensation you deserve, which can help to ease the financial burden caused by negligent treatment. We understand the challenges you face and are committed to guiding you through the claims process with professionalism and care.
To speak to a member of our team about whether or not you may be entitled to make a medical negligence claim following scoliosis surgery, call us on 0345 872 6666 today, or allow us to call you back at a more convenient time by completing our online enquiry form.
On this page
What Our Clients Say
How JMW Can Help
At JMW, we have extensive experience in handling medical negligence claims related to scoliosis surgery. We understand the devastating impact that negligent care can have on your life, from physical pain and limited mobility to emotional distress and financial strain. Our team of dedicated solicitors specialises in medical negligence cases, and we are committed to helping you achieve justice.
We work closely with leading medical experts, including orthopaedic and spinal surgeons, to gather strong evidence and build a compelling case. Whether your claim involves surgical errors, delayed diagnosis or negligent postoperative care, we ensure that every aspect of your case is thoroughly examined. We also understand the complexity of spinal injury claims, and we tailor our approach to meet your specific needs.
Our clinical negligence team is known for its professional and proactive approach, and is highly respected throughout the UK. Headed by the respected medical negligence solicitor Eddie Jones, our team includes members of the Law Society's specialist panel of clinical negligence solicitors and the Action against Medical Accidents (AvMA) solicitor panel. We have secured significant sums of compensation for thousands of people affected by substandard medical treatment, and will bring our expertise to bear to resolve your spinal surgery negligence claim as smoothly as possible.
By choosing JMW, you will receive clear, compassionate advice throughout the claims process. We prioritise your wellbeing and aim to secure the compensation you need for medical expenses, rehabilitation, and any other support you require following negligent scoliosis treatment. From the first consultation through to the conclusion of your claim, we are here to help you navigate each step with confidence.
Our Partners
What Is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a condition where the spine curves abnormally to the side, creating an "S" or "C" shape. This spinal deformity can develop at any age, but it is most commonly diagnosed in children and adolescents during growth spurts. While many cases are mild and cause few symptoms, more severe scoliosis can lead to pain, reduced mobility, and visible changes in posture, such as uneven shoulders, hips or waist.
There are a number of different types of scoliosis:
- Idiopathic scoliosis: scoliosis with no known cause
- Congenital scoliosis: caused by spinal abnormalities at birth
- Neuromuscular scoliosis: caused by abnormalities in the muscles and nerves supporting the spine, often due to conditions such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy
In cases where scoliosis progresses or causes significant discomfort, surgery may be recommended to correct the curvature of the spine. Scoliosis surgery is a major procedure, and while many patients experience improved quality of life, the surgery carries risks. Any errors during diagnosis, treatment or surgery can lead to complications that may severely affect the patient’s health and wellbeing. When this happens due to medical negligence, the injured person has the right to seek compensation for the harm they have experienced.
Do I Have a Medical Negligence Scoliosis Claim?
You may have grounds for a medical negligence scoliosis claim if you or a loved one has suffered due to poor treatment or errors made by healthcare professionals during scoliosis diagnosis, surgery or aftercare. To pursue a successful claim, it must be proven that the standard of care you received fell below what is reasonably expected, and that this negligence directly caused harm or worsened your condition.
Common examples of negligence in scoliosis cases include:
- Delayed diagnosis: failing to identify scoliosis early can lead to progression of the condition, requiring more invasive treatments or surgery that could have been avoided with timely intervention.
- Surgical errors: mistakes made by orthopaedic surgeons during the procedure, such as damaging the spinal cord or nerve roots, can result in severe complications like paralysis, nerve damage or cauda equina syndrome.
- Failure to monitor or provide postoperative care: failing to properly monitor recovery or treat complications after surgery, such as infections or nerve damage, can have serious, lasting effects on the patient.
- Unnecessary surgery: if you underwent surgery that was not required or alternatives were not adequately explored, this may also form the basis of a claim.
To strengthen your case, JMW will work with leading spinal surgeons and medical experts to assess the details of your treatment. We gather expert evidence, including medical records, MRI scans and witness testimonies, to establish how the negligence occurred and how it has affected your health and quality of life.
How Much Compensation for Scoliosis Medical Negligence?
The amount of compensation you may receive for scoliosis medical negligence depends on several factors specific to your case. Compensation aims to cover the physical, emotional and financial harm caused by the negligent treatment, as well as any future care needs. While each claim is unique, there are key aspects that affect how much compensation you could be entitled to:
- Severity of injury: the more serious the injury or complication caused by negligence, the higher the compensation. For example, spinal injuries, paralysis or long-term pain can result in significantly larger compensation settlements compared to cases of mild discomfort.
- Impact on quality of life: if the negligence has restricted your mobility, affected your ability to work, or led to a loss of independence, the compensation will reflect the lasting impact on your daily life.
- Ongoing medical treatment: the costs of additional medical treatment, surgeries or rehabilitation required due to the negligence will be considered. This may include physiotherapy, specialist care or even alternative treatments.
- Lost earnings: if your injury has affected your ability to work, either temporarily or permanently, compensation will account for lost income and future earnings potential.
- Care and support needs: in cases where ongoing care is required, compensation will cover the costs of professional carers or adaptations to your home to accommodate your needs.
We understand that compensation is essential not just for your recovery, but also for your financial security. We work diligently to ensure that you receive a settlement that fully reflects your suffering, future care needs, and any financial losses. By speaking to JMW, you can receive tailored advice on what to expect in terms of compensation, based on the details of your spinal injury claim.
Scoliosis Surgery FAQs
- What are the symptoms of scoliosis?
Scoliosis symptoms vary depending on the severity of the spinal curvature. Common signs include:
- Uneven shoulders, hips, or waist
- One shoulder blade that appears more prominent than the other
- Leaning to one side
- Back pain, particularly in adults
- Reduced range of motion in the spine
- Visible curvature of the spine when bending forward
In severe cases, scoliosis can lead to breathing difficulties due to reduced space in the chest for the lungs to expand.
- How is scoliosis treated?
Treatment for scoliosis depends on the degree of curvature and the patient’s age. Mild cases are often managed with regular monitoring, while moderate cases may require bracing to prevent further curvature during growth. In severe cases, or when non-surgical treatments are ineffective, spinal surgery may be recommended to correct the curvature and stabilise the spine.
Scoliosis surgery typically involves spinal fusion, where the vertebrae are fused together using bone grafts, rods and screws to realign and support the spine. However, surgery carries risks, and when negligence occurs during the procedure, it can lead to serious complications, such as nerve damage, spinal cord injury or chronic pain.
- How long do I have to make a claim?
You generally have three years to make a medical negligence claim from the date of the negligent treatment or from when you became aware that negligence occurred. This is known as the “date of knowledge.” There are exceptions, such as in cases involving children, where the three-year limit begins from their 18th birthday. For those who lack the mental capacity to make a claim independently, no time limit will apply.
It is vital to act within the given time frame to ensure that your compensation claim can be pursued. If you believe you have suffered due to scoliosis surgery negligence, you should seek legal advice as soon as possible.
- What can negligent scoliosis surgery compensation be used for?
Compensation from a successful scoliosis surgery negligence claim can be used to cover a wide range of expenses and losses, including:
- Medical costs for further treatment, rehabilitation or corrective surgery
- Care and support needs, whether through professional carers or home adaptations
- Loss of income if you are unable to work due to your injuries
- Pain and suffering resulting from the negligent treatment
- Travel expenses for medical appointments and rehabilitation
- Ongoing care for those who require long-term medical assistance
Compensation aims to provide the financial support necessary to rebuild your life and receive proper treatment following negligent scoliosis care. To learn more, get in contact with JMW's medical negligence solicitors.
Talk to Us
For a free initial assessment of your scoliosis surgery negligence claim, call JMW on 0345 872 6666, or complete our online enquiry form to request a call back. We can discuss your case, assess your eligibility for no win, no fee legal representation, and answer any questions you may have about the next steps.