Knee Replacement Negligence

At a glance: This article takes a look at some of the different types of knee replacement negligence, along with common claims made and the steps a patient often takes to establish if their pain and discomfort has been caused by negligence.* Negligent knee replacement surgery can change a person’s life and that of their family. If you or a member of your family have had a knee replacement and are suffering from pain or discomfort, or you have had revision surgery, it is important to get legal advice from specialist solicitors who understand the unique nature of knee replacement claims. 


A successful knee replacement has a life span of about 20 years and 90% of patients have a successful recovery.  

However, the surgery is complicated and carries with it inherent risks and potential for long term complications.  

The nature of the operation involves replacing the end of the upper thigh bone with a metal cap, replacing the end of the lower leg bone with a plastic piece and a metal stem, and possibly removing or replacing the posterior cruciate ligament on the sides of the knee joint. 


The most commons cases we see regarding knee replacement negligence arise in these four main types of surgery:- 

  1. Total knee replacement 
  2. Unicompartmental (partial) knee replacement 
  3. Kneecap replacement (patellofemoral arthroplasty); and  
  4. Complex or revision knee replacement. 

The cases we have proceeded with on behalf of our clients occur in two scenarios:- 

  • Defective Knee Replacement device.  This is where the prothesis used during the surgery turns out to be defective and the manufacturer of the product is responsible for the continued pain and suffering of patient. 
  • Orthopaedic Surgeons Negligence. The standard in which the surgeon carried out the surgery was below the accepted standard of care in their field of expertise.  

The most common complaints post-surgery are:- 

  • Stiffness in the joint  
  • Chronic pain in the joint  
  • Pulmonary embolism 
  • Wound infection 
  • Nerve and other tissue damage 
  • Bone fracture; and 
  • Dislocation. 

When a patient considers proceeding with a case they often instruct specialist solicitors to:- 

  • Take up copies of medical records in order to fully investigate the surgical procedure and how it was performed 
  • Consult their panel of medical experts to help the patient determine whether there was any negligence involved 
  • If negligence is identified patients often  proceed with a medical negligence claim.  

If you or a member of your family have had a knee replacement and are suffering from pain or discomfort, or you have had revision surgery, it is important to get legal advice from specialist solicitors who understand the unique nature of knee replacement claims. 


We have over 50 years expert legal experience advising such patients. 

Need assistance? Contact us. 

We provide expert advice when you need it most.  
Call us today on 1800 207 207 or contact us online. 

You may take legal action after  you have been involved in an accident or injured because of somebody else’s actions or negligence*.

Personal injury claims generally involve:

  • A plaintiff or claimant  – this is the person making the claim (you).
  • A defendant – the person(s) you are making the claim against.
  • Your solicitor 
  • PIAB – Personal Injury Assessment Board (often called the Injuries Board). PIAB assesses most  personal injury claims before any further steps are considered.

What Are the Common Injuries Sustained In Accidents?


For every type of accident, whether a car crash, a slip and fall, or a product related injury, there is a wide array of injury types that can occur. Every part of the body is susceptible to different forms of injury and the forces applied upon the body when an accident occurs will dictate the kind of injury as well as the severity.

As a personal injury law firm with over 50 years experience representing injured parties Ireland we understand the nature of various types of injuries. We are able to articulate the effects they have on a client’s life, and the types of medical care required, in the context of a personal injury case.

Get in touch

Nationwide services with dedicated offices in

Dublin

2-4 Ely Place, Dublin 2, D02 FR58

Limerick

Bishopsgate, Henry Street, Limerick, V94 K5R6

Cork

1A South Mall, Cork, T12 PV44

Share this page

OTHER SERVICES

service

Wills, Probate and Trusts

HOMS Assist provide swift case resolution and a personalised service. Contact us for all private wealth cases such as Wills and Powers of Attorney.

service

Property Law Solicitors

HOMS Assist provide swift case resolution and personalised service in Dublin and Limerick. Contact us today to discuss property law matters.

service

Family Law Solicitors

We have 50+ years experience in family law cases including child custody, guardianship, divorce and domestic violence. Contact us for swift case progression.

RELATED ARTICLES

No data was found

What we offer

We are an award winning, client-oriented law firm in Dublin, Limerick and Cork. Our solicitors provide comprehensive legal advice in an approachable and caring manner. Most of us will require a solicitor at some time in our lives. When the time comes that you do require legal support you will want to be sure that you are dealing with professionals who will work quickly and efficiently to help you. So whether you need help writing a Will, you have been in an accident, suffered an injury or illness that was not your fault, or you are looking at divorce options, we can offer clear guidance and representation to assist you in obtaining the optimum result.

Request a callback

Fill out the form below, and we will contact you shortly. Required fields are marked *

Sign up to our newsletter today

Scroll to Top