Hello everyone,

I am writing here to ask whether I might have a legitimate medical negligence claim.

My story starts 2 years ago when I injured my knee whilst playing football. At first I couldn't put full weight on the knee or properly walk; I immidiately went to the local hospital urgent care centre. When I finally got through to one of the practitioners, my swollen knee was examinated (by moving it about) and deemed fine. After the lady forced me to put weight on it and try to walk, she said it looks fine and told me to apply ice and rest. I had to take time off work sick and obliged by her advice. As 1 week after this my knee wasn't getting any better, I went to the urgent care centre again. This time I had a similar experience, however they sent me for an x-ray and referred to physiotherapy few months later. On the day they analysed the x-ray of my knee and said that ligaments are not torn and meniscus looks fine - they assured me that it could be a stretch or minor partial tear of a ligament and it could be the MCL. I was told once again to rest, was sent home and told to call my GP for a sick note to allow me more time off sick.

I called my GP and explained the situation to which I was issued a sick note for a few weeks which stated "MCL Tear". After about 8 weeks off work the swelling on my knee dissapeared and I slowly returned to everyday tasks. However I still couldn't properly walk. Eventually after a few weeks I could walk and live my everyday life as normal, apart from the fact my knee was still slipping away hence I couldn't do any twisting of the knee and had to be careful. Once it got to my physio appointment I explained this to the physio, after he examined my knee he again stated that ligaments are intact and I just need to strengthen my muscles around the knee. He said that he won't put another appointment in as there is no need. I went on and lived like this for almost a year training my muscles in hope that the issue will dissapear.

Next year, whilst I was in the garden my knee slipped again and swelled up. This time I called my GP and got an appointment on the next day. After I explained everything to the GP he issued me with a sick note for 2 weeks stating "Knee injury" and told me that he will refer me to physiotherapy and orthopeadics at the hospital. I received letter for a physio appointment few months down the line and a letter for orthopeadics stating that if they don't contact me before October, contact them myself. My knee got better again to the point where I could continue my life but still couldn't participate in sports etc.

I went to my physio appointment and this time after examination a different physio again stated that my ligaments are intact (I've been training my muscles around the knee alot). He gave me an extreme exercise guide 7 days a week at home 3 days a week at the gym. I told him I will try. He put in another appointment 1 month later. I couldn't keep up with his exercise routine and postponed the appointment. Later I couldn't attend one and cancelled it. (I know this is wrong on my part). I was hoping to get some help from the orthopeadics eventually. Once it got past October I called the orthopeadics stating I had a letter as outlined earlier. They couldn't see me in the waiting list. I have looked everywhere for the letter but cannot find it. I called my GP and they can see in the system that I waa referred but also cannot see the letter. After several calls to the GP and the orthopeadics I was told I need to see the GP and start again. By this time I gave up on it and preferred to wait a few months as I had a planned trip to Poland.

Once in Poland last month I got myself an MRI and orthopeadic consultation privately and found out that my ACL is completely torn and meniscus very damaged. I need an operation as soon as possible.

Since I have been trying to get a GP appointment calling everyday for 2 weeks with no success.

Sorry for the long post but had to explain everything. Now, do I have a case considering I didn't push them much throughout the 2 years but just trusted them & also I cancelled my physiotherapy as it was going nowhere?

Many thanks