The Team Around the Client Magazine

“This edition of Team around the Client magazine focuses on people affected by an orthopaedic injury, whether caused by an accident or as a result of medical negligence. 

By their nature, orthopaedic injuries (claims involving musculoskeletal damage such as fractures, sprains, and soft tissue injuries) are challenging as they impact a person’s ability to move independently or to function fully, which in turn can impact their job, caring responsibilities, and ability to participate in social and leisure activities. They can often have adverse effects in the longer term too, such as the need for further corrective surgeries, or potential for complications to occur later in life.

This series features a panel of experts, on a wide range of topics relevant to claims for orthopaedic injuries. As well as specialist lawyers from RWK Goodman’s own Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury teams, we are delighted to share a personal story from Tracy Ralph, from the Limbless Association, speaking about the importance of peer support when recovering from limb loss surgery.  We are pleased to be able to share insightful contributions from two barristers highly regarded for orthopaedic claims; Tom Gibson from Outer Temple Chambers and Rob Mills from 1 Crown Office Row.

We also have two case studies, highlighting how compensation helped clients of the firm after suffering serious injury. Kerstin Scheel highlights the story of a young girl she represented, whose hip dysplasia went undiagnosed at birth, leaving her with a significant deformity of her hips and in need of multiple revision surgeries throughout her lifetime to mitigate the damage caused. Louise Huckstep, explains how she secured compensation for Dan, who suffered injuries after using a poorly maintained machine at work.

Whether you’re considering a claim yourself, or are a professional supporting people who’ve suffered orthopaedic injuries, this edition will provide insights into navigating the legal landscape of orthopaedic injury claims and the importance of having an experienced and specialist team acting on your behalf.”

Ali Batchelor, Partner and Guest Editor of this Edition of the Team Around the Client Magazine.

Dan was working as an agricultural seed cleaner and workshop engineer, undertaking seed cleaning for customer farmers across the country. Unfortunately his employers did not have a safe system of work and had not properly maintained the equipment Dan had to use. In an incident which he found profoundly shocking, Dan sustained severe injury to his index finger whilst working with one of the poorly-maintained machines.

Robert Mills, barrister at 1 Crown Office Row, explains the various ways in which a clinical negligence claim can arise from total knee replacement surgery as well as considerations that need to be taken into account when considering the prospects of a potential claim.

Tom Gibson, barrister at Outer Temple Chambers, explains how teams of expert witnesses help to prove and to value a claim.

With a growing number of adrenaline-seekers and mountain enthusiasts traveling abroad each winter to indulge in their passion, collisions between skiers and snowboarders from different countries have become increasingly frequent. Pursuing a compensation claim in such cases can be a complex and challenging process. Maud Lepez explains.