Can I Claim Compensation for Acute Pancreatitis Negligence?
A sudden, or acute, attack of pancreatitis can be life-threatening and is associated with a high rate of mortality. Diagnosis can be difficult but a failure to recognise the potential symptoms or to consider the possibility of pancreatitis in a patient may be regarded as negligent.
Medical management of acute pancreatitis
The inflammation associated with acute pancreatitis can lead to infection, organ failure and the death of the patient. The best chance of survival is for the patient to be assessed for underlying causes and to be monitored, treated and supported in hospital.
Hospitalisation, however, requires the patient's medical professionals to consider acute pancreatitis as a possible diagnosis. Suspecting the possibility of acute pancreatitis in a patient with abdominal pain may be life-saving. Without a willingness to investigate this option, the patient may not receive the appropriate blood tests or undergo any further assessment which could indicate the underlying cause of their symptoms.
For example, acute pancreatitis is often associated with gallstones and a recognition of this cause may allow for emergency treatment of this problem, which may, in turn, alleviate the pancreatic inflammation.
Symptoms of pancreatitis which might justify further investigation include pain and swelling of the abdomen as well as nausea. The patient may also be suffering with a high temperature.
A failure to investigate this possibility may leave the patient without diagnosis and facing a rapidly-deteriorating condition. Diagnosis and hospitalisation for acute pancreatitis needs to occur as quickly as possible.
Medical negligence
A failure to recognise the symptoms of acute pancreatitis may be regarded as substandard care.
A failure to organise the appropriate and timely testing of a patient for acute pancreatitis when the symptoms were indicative of this as a possible diagnosis may be regarded as negligent.
If the patient suffers a poor long-term outcome because the signs and symptoms of acute pancreatitis were not pursued, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Speak to a solicitor
If you are struggling with the devastating impact of a delay in diagnosis of acute pancreatitis, contact Glynns Solicitors.
We are a specialist medical negligence legal practice with expertise in a wide range of medical claims. One of our team of experienced solicitors will be very happy to discuss your situation and advise as to the suitability of making a claim for compensation for the pain, suffering and financial losses associated with any medical negligence.
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