Six-Figure Settlement for Negligent Shoulder Surgery

left shoulder surgery

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Elline Demetriou

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Osbornes Law secures a six-figure settlement following a claim against Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Elline Demetriou, a Solicitor in our clinical negligence team, acted for a claimant, S, who pursued a claim against Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust relating to negligent orthopedic treatment she received between 2018 and 2022.

The background

S had been suffering from left shoulder pain since 2010. She underwent an arthroscopic procedure in 2013 to alleviate the pain, but unfortunately, it persisted over the next four years. In 2018, S had a second arthroscopic procedure, which revealed severe osteoarthritis, and she was referred for urgent physiotherapy.

Approximately nine months later, during a consultation with an orthopedic surgeon, S was advised that she would benefit from a total shoulder replacement. She underwent the procedure in September 2019, but subsequently experienced recurrent shoulder dislocations.

In March 2022, S underwent a revision of her left shoulder replacement. In the hours following her operation, S reported pain and an x-ray was taken the following day, which showed an issue with the placement of the artificial shoulder socket.

Over the next few days, S continued to complain pain and pins and needles in her left shoulder and fingers. A CT scan revealed that the prosthetic screws were misplaced and had extended into muscle.  It took a few days for S to be informed of this, and she was advised that she would need to undergo a further operation.

Having lost faith in the clinicians, S requested her care be transferred to another Trust. Over the next 18 months, she underwent two additional shoulder operations, both of which could have been avoided if the first operation in March 2022, had been performed to a reasonable standard.

S’ injuries to her left shoulder and her multiple operations have caused her physical pain and pins and needles. Her condition significantly affected her ability to carry out activities of daily living, requiring her to rely on her family for assistance in the simplest of tasks, such as dressing, preparing meals, brushing her hair etc. She also suffered from disturbed sleep due to her shoulder pain waking her during the night, which continues.

The outcome

The Trust admitted liability for the surgeon’s failure to perform the operation of March 2022 to a reasonable standard of care, but initially denied that they should have offered S the surgery 18 months earlier than they did. Osbornes challenged the defendant on their reasons for this denial, which led to the Trust admitting that the failure to offer surgery earlier constituted substandard care. They accepted that by not offering S surgery 18 months earlier than they did, they caused her prolonged pain and suffering.

The claim concluded for a six-figure sum without the need to issue court proceedings, showing the exceptional expertise and dedication of Elline Demetriou and the medical negligence team who ensured justice for the prolonged pain and suffering caused by substandard medical care.

Contact us

Our medical negligence team at Osbornes Law is dedicated to ensuring that our clients receive the justice and compensation they deserve, and they will continue to fight for those affected by substandard medical care. If you or a loved one are suffering as a result of poor medical care, contact us by:

  • Filling in our online enquiry form; or
  • Calling us on 020 7485 8811

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  • “Small but very effective and experienced team so every client benefits from the personal touch but also highly skilled litigation know-how. Capability of the team means they can handle all aspects of very complex cases as well as straightforward matters.”

  • “Osbornes Law is an established firm which handles a breadth of complex and high-value clinical negligence matters.”

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    • Elline Demetriou is one to watch for the future. She is determined and thoughtful, with a real dedication to her clients.

      Legal 500 2025

    • Osbornes are always professional and diligent in respect of their clients.

      Chambers 2025

    • Osbornes has an excellent depth of experience across the team.

      Chambers 2025

    • Across the board, they are all a pleasure to work with. They always keep a pragmatic head and all have an eye on the best outcome for the client.

      Chambers 2025

    • Small but very effective and experienced team so every client benefits from the personal touch but also highly skilled litigation know-how. Capability of the team means they can handle all aspects of very complex cases as well as straightforward matters.

      Legal 500 2025

    • Osbornes is a very respected firm in the marketplace.

      Chambers UK 2024

    • They handle really complex cases very well

      Chambers UK 2024

    • The clinical negligence team are knowledgeable and professional in their approach and demonstrate a high level of skill in litigation work.

      Chambers UK 2024

    • Osbornes Law offers experience in obstetric and fatal claims as well as niche cauda equina cases.

      Chambers UK 2024

    • Osbornes Law is an established firm which handles a breadth of complex and high-value clinical negligence matters.

      Chambers UK 2024

    • “The team is very quick and efficient in responding."

      CHAMBERS UK 2023

    • "Obsbornes Law is always client-focused and works tirelessly to obtain the best outcomes for clients."

      CHAMBERS UK 2023

    • They are an excellent firm who achieve fantastic outcomes for their clients. They are also very prominent in injuries to those travelling to or from Europe. Multiple languages are spoken by the team.

      Legal 500 2022

    • Stephanie Prior is a first-rate clinical negligence specialist whose industry, great experience and medical background put her in an exceptional class.

      Legal 500 2022

    • This firm is responsive and efficient. Their rapidity in dealing with complications or hiccups is excellent.

      Legal 500 2022

    • Really great clinical negligence practice, staffed by experienced practitioners who know how NHS Trusts work. They also build great rapport with clients.’

      Legal 500 2022

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