Overview

An 11-year-old girl developed life-threatening infections after suffering a compound fracture of her left forearm and receiving medical care that failed to address the risk of infection. She underwent 12 surgeries over three years and was left with functional impairment, pain, and scarring. The case settled for $443,000 prior to trial.

Key Takeaways

  • Settlement Amount: $443,000
  • Accident Type: Slip and fall at an above-ground pool followed by negligent medical care
  • Primary Injury: Life-threatening infections in the tissues of the left arm
  • Additional Injuries: Compound fracture of the left forearm, functional impairment, pain, and scarring
  • Resolution Method: Settlement prior to trial
  • Notable Legal Issues: The emergency doctor and orthopaedic surgeon failed to properly clean the area despite diagnosing a compound fracture
  • Medical Treatment: 12 surgeries over three years
  • Long-Term Impact: Functional impairment, pain, and scarring

The Case

An 11-year-old girl was attending a pool party when she slipped from the edge of an above-ground pool and fell to the ground. After getting up, she noticed that her left forearm was bent approximately 45 degrees out of shape. She grabbed her wrist and straightened her arm herself.

At the hospital emergency room, the girl was diagnosed with a compound fracture. However, the emergency doctor and orthopaedic surgeon failed to take the risk of infection into consideration and did not properly clean the area to minimize that risk.

Following the medical care she received, the girl developed life-threatening infections in the tissues of her left arm. She underwent 12 surgeries over the next three years and was ultimately left with functional impairment, pain, and scarring.

The case was resolved prior to trial, with $443,000 recovered for the young girl.

Why It Matters

This case involved a serious compound fracture that was followed by life-threatening infections and an extensive course of medical treatment. The young girl required 12 surgeries over three years and continued to experience functional impairment, pain, and scarring.

The $443,000 settlement resolved the case before trial and provided compensation for the injuries and consequences described in the case.