Claiming Compensation for Osteomyelitis Diagnosis Delays
A delay in the diagnosis of osteomyelitis, leading to a delay in the initiation of treatment, can cause catastrophic, long-term disability and may justify a claim for compensation.
The potential impact of a delayed diagnosis
Osteomyelitis is a bone infection which requires prompt diagnosis and treatment with a course of intravenous antibiotics.
Without prompt and adequate treatment, the patient may develop significant disability due to damage to the bone.
Long-term problems could include a wide range of appalling scenarios including damage to the spine, deformity of the feet and loss of mobility. The knock-on effect of such terrible outcomes may well result in loss of employment and loss of independence. The patient may become dependent on care. Where this shocking situation is the result of poor-quality medical care, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation which would be able to address these life-changing problems and the associated financial stress.
Symptoms and risk factors
Typical symptoms of osteomyelitis include bone pain and a fever. It may be more likely in a patient who is diabetic or who has a weakened immune system, making them vulnerable to infection. The patient may have suffered from recent physical injury or trauma, or have a pre-existing infection which has travelled to the bone.
It is not always easy to diagnose osteomyelitis at an early stage which makes it all the more important that the possibility of this diagnosis is considered.
A failure to consider a possible diagnosis of osteomyelitis may be considered as negligent. A failure to carry out blood tests and to refer the patient, where appropriate, for further testing such as an MRI scan, will delay their diagnosis and treatment. It will unfortunately also allow the infection to develop further, increasing the potential for further bone damage.
Claiming compensation for medical negligence
Compensation claims for medical negligence are complex legal processes, requiring the skills of specialist lawyers and the best expert medical witnesses.
Here at Glynns Solicitors, a niche medical negligence legal practice, we have a team of experienced, specialist solicitors with expertise in a wide range of medical claims.
If you or a loved one are struggling with the appalling impact of osteomyelitis due to delays in medical care, contact us today for a free consultation. It may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation which will help you to cope with the financial losses and demands created by your poor-quality medical care.
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