Compartment Syndrome: Can I claim compensation in Teesside?

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Compartment syndrome is a serious and potentially life-changing condition that occurs when pressure builds up within a muscle compartment, cutting off blood flow and damaging nerves and tissue.

It often follows a traumatic injury such as a broken bone or crush injury, but in some cases, it develops due to medical negligence, particularly when warning signs are missed or treatment is delayed.

If not diagnosed and treated quickly, usually with surgery, it can lead to permanent damage, disability or even amputation.

What are some of the causes of compartment syndrome?

Common causes of compartment syndrome include:

Fractures, especially of the long bones such as the tibia or forearm.
Crush injuries from accidents, falls or heavy impacts.
Tight casts or bandages that restrict blood flow.
Burns causing swelling within the muscle compartments.
Prolonged limb compression, for example during unconsciousness or surgery.
Intensive exercise, particularly under extreme conditions.
Bleeding or vascular injury within a compartment, often following trauma or surgery.
Reperfusion injury, when blood flow returns after a period of restricted circulation.
Delayed or inadequate medical treatment, including failure to recognise early symptoms.

What are the symptoms of compartment syndrome?

You can get compartment syndrome in any muscle, but it most often affects the muscles in the lower legs and forearms.

According to the NHS, compartment syndrome symptoms include:

Pain in a muscle – this may feel like a burning pain or a deep ache (moving the body part can make the pain even worse).
Swelling or bulging of the muscle.
Numbness, weakness or pins and needles.
Tightness or difficulty moving the affected body part.

Symptoms can start suddenly, such as after an injury or if a bandage or plaster cast is too tight. This is called acute compartment syndrome. The NHS advises you call 999 or go to A&E if you have sudden, severe pain in any part of your body.

Symptoms can also come on gradually after exercising and go away when you rest. This is called chronic compartment syndrome.

When compartment syndrome results from clinical negligence

Compartment syndrome can arise not only from trauma or injury, but also as a result of substandard medical care. Healthcare professionals are expected to recognise the warning signs and take swift action to prevent lasting damage.

If a clinician fails to identify the condition early or delays treatment, they may be held accountable for the harm caused.

There are also situations where medical procedures themselves contribute to the development of compartment syndrome. Examples include applying a cast or bandage too tightly or positioning a patient during surgery in a way that restricts circulation.

Compartment syndrome caused by personal injury

Compartment syndrome can develop following serious trauma, including injuries sustained in accidents caused by another person’s negligence. When pressure builds within a muscle compartment due to swelling or internal bleeding, urgent medical intervention is often required to prevent permanent damage.

It can occur after accidents such as:

In cases where the injury was avoidable and caused by someone else’s actions or failure to act, there may be grounds for a personal injury claim.

Compartment syndrome claims & compensation in Middlesbrough / Teesside

Whether compartment syndrome arises from medical negligence or a personal injury, those affected may be entitled to claim compensation. In cases involving delayed diagnosis, poor treatment or clinical error, a medical negligence claim may cover the cost of surgery, rehabilitation, ongoing care and the wider impact on mobility, employment or quality of life.

Visit Medical Negligence Claims to learn more.

Where the condition develops following an accident caused by another party such as a road traffic collision, unsafe workplace or hazardous public space, a personal injury claim may be appropriate. Compensation in these cases can help with treatment costs, recovery and the long-term consequences of the injury.

Visit Personal Injury Claims to learn more.

Is there a time limit for claiming for making a compartment syndrome claim?

There are strict limitation periods for bringing a claim involving compartment syndrome. In most cases, legal proceedings must begin within three years of the injury.

If the injured person was under the age of 18 when the injury occurred, the three-year period usually starts from their 18th birthday.

Because of the serious, sometimes permanent consequences of compartment syndrome, and the complexities involved in proving liability, it’s important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. Early support can make a significant difference in accessing appropriate treatment, rehabilitation and long-term care.

To learn more about limitation periods, visit:

Arrange a discussion with a Middlesbrough or Redcar-based solicitor about compartment syndrome

If you or a loved one has suffered from compartment syndrome and believe it may be linked to medical negligence or an accident caused by someone else, it’s important to get clear legal advice without delay.

Askews Solicitors have been meeting the legal needs of Teesside and the North East of England for almost 100 years, and our experienced team is here to help you understand your options and guide you through the claims process.

Alternatively, you can visit Personal Injury Claim or Medical Negligence Claims to learn more about how we can help.

This content is for informational purposes and is not intended as advice of any kind.