Can I Claim Compensation for Infective Endocarditis?
Prompt diagnosis of infective endocarditis is crucial to the long-term well-being of the patient. If medical practitioners fail to investigate the possible symptoms of this life-threatening condition, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Infective endocarditis
Endocarditis can develop when bacteria in the bloodstream reaches the heart where the lining of the heart (the endocardium) becomes infected. This in turn can cause damage and malfunction, ultimately possibly leading to the patient suffering a stroke or heart failure. Treatment with intravenous antibiotics, and possibly surgery, is necessary to alleviate the condition.
Symptoms
Patients with the possible symptoms of infective endocarditis need further investigation to confirm the presence of this infection promptly. This might require them to undergo a variety of tests such as an ECG and echocardiogram as well as blood tests.
The symptoms of this life-threatening condition include the following:
- Headaches, fatigue and a high temperature
- Aching joints and muscles
- Weight loss
Risk factors
A number of additional factors might also indicate that the patient is at risk of developing this life-threatening infection. These would include the following and should be taken into consideration when an assessment is made by medical professionals:
- The age of the patient. Endocarditis is more likely to develop in older people.
- If the patient is an intravenous drug-user it can provide bacteria with access to the bloodstream
- Patients who already suffer with heart disease or problems with the valves of the heart are more likely to succumb to this infection
Medical negligence
Failing to recognise the possible symptoms of infective endocarditis will leave the patient vulnerable to long-term disability and even death.
If the patient delays attending their medical practitioner with their endocarditis symptoms, it is unlikely that the medical professional will be considered to have been at fault.
Where the medical professional brings about a delay in diagnosis and treatment, however, perhaps by a misdiagnosis, they may be considered to have acted negligently.
This may justify the patient in pursuing a claim for compensation if they have been left with long-term symptoms and loss which may not have been the case had their condition been diagnosed and treated more promptly.
Legal advice
If you or a loved one are suffering the impact of endocarditis due to medical failings, contact Glynns Solicitors today to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor about the possibility of making a compensation claim.
Can We Help You With A Medical Negligence Enquiry?
Early legal assistance can be vital so please contact us if you would like to discuss your situation. Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
Make An Enquiry
Why Choose Us
- Specialist medical negligence solicitors
- Free initial enquiries
- No win, no fee available
Reviews
"I would like to say a big thank you to you for making this whole process easy and relatively painless. You kept me informed throughout and you were always polite and courteous in all forms of communication. I would not hesitate to recommend you to friends and family, so a really big thank you and I wish you all the best in the future."
Mr A.
Our Expertise
Helping Clients Across England & Wales
Free Medical Negligence Guide
'7 Questions You Must Ask Before Choosing A Medical Negligence Solicitor'