EWJ June 61 2025 web - Flipbook - Page 77
To confirm the diagnosis, an ultrasound or MRI may
be used to assess the damage to the shoulder joint,
muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
joint structures. This is usually only considered if conservative treatments fail.
Claims for SIRVA
To succeed in bringing a clinical negligence claim for
SIRVA, it is necessary to prove two things:
SIRVA can often manifest as subacromial bursitis (ie
inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that cushions the shoulder joint), and this is the diagnosis many
of our clients have been given.
1. First, we have to establish that there has been a
'breach of duty' – in other words, that no reasonable
and responsible body of clinicians would have
provided the treatment that was given.
Treatment for SIRVA
Treatment for SIRVA varies depending on the
severity of the injury. The goal is to reduce pain,
improve mobility, and allow the shoulder to heal
properly. Five common treatment methods include:
2. Secondly, if we can establish any breaches of duty
we must go on to prove what injuries have been
caused as a result and that this would not have happened but for the breaches of duty – this is known as
'causation'.
1. Rest and ice: The first step in treating SIRVA is to
rest the shoulder and apply ice to reduce swelling and
inflammation.
Both breach of duty and causation need to be
established for a claim to succeed.
2. Physiotherapy: In mild to moderate cases, physiotherapy may be recommended to restore the range of
motion and strength in the shoulder. A physiotherapist will guide the patient through exercises designed
to promote healing and prevent further injury.
Compensation
In a successful claim, compensation may be awarded
for the following:
l pain, suffering and loss of amenity;
3. Anti-inflammatory medications: Over-the-counter
pain relievers like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and
inflammation. In some cases, stronger prescription
medications may be necessary.
l care and assistance required as a result of the injury;
l loss of earnings where applicable;
l cost of employing a gardener, decorator or handyman;
4. Corticosteroid injections: For more severe cases,
corticosteroid injections may be used to reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief.
However, these are not long-term solutions.
l cost of private treatment and medication;
l aids and equipment;
l travel expenses.
5. Surgery: In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to
repair damage to the shoulder muscles, tendons or
If you are looking for a medicolegal
opinion on any ophthalmology matter,
the UK Ophthalmology Experts are a
team of leading, independent
ophthalmology experts covering all
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JUNE 2025
