Claiming Compensation for Delayed Diagnosis of Heart Failure
A delay in diagnosing heart failure can produce a devastating outcome. Where appropriate, it can also be the justification for a compensation claim.
A delay in diagnosing heart failure may be considered to have been negligent and justify a claim for compensation in the following circumstances:
- Where the delay in diagnosis leaves the patient with a poor long-term outcome which would, on the balance of probabilities, not have occurred with an earlier diagnosis
- Where the referral time achieved was beyond the government guidelines
- Where the symptoms and history of the patient should have prompted a referral to investigate the possibility of heart failure
The patient's history and context can be highly significant in assessing the likelihood that they may have heart failure and, if a medical professional does not take these factors into account, they may be regarded as having provided substandard care.
Risk factors
If the patient presents with any of the following risk factors, alongside possible symptoms of heart failure, such as breathlessness and a cough, the medical practitioner should consider that they may need a referral to a specialist and for an echocardiogram.
- If the patient is or has been a smoker
- If the patient suffers from diabetes
- If the patient is overweight
- If the patient has high blood pressure
- If the patient suffers from coronary heart disease
A failure to take the broader context and patient history into account may lead to a misdiagnosis and poor outcome for the patient.
Long-term outcomes
At worst, a failure to recognise that the patient may be suffering from heart disease can mean that the patient suffers a fatal heart attack before an accurate diagnosis is achieved.
When a patient survives, many make a good recovery. However, a delayed diagnosis can also mean that their long-term symptoms are significant.
If referral and diagnosis take place within the government target times of two or six weeks to specialist assessment depending on the initial assessment, it is unlikely that the medical professional will be considered to have provided substandard care.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one are suffering long-term debilitating problems due to a misdiagnosis of heart failure symptoms, contact Glynns Solicitors to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
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