Compensation for Delayed Diagnosis of Encephalitis
If a loved one is suffering the long-term effects of encephalitis brain damage due to medical delays in diagnosis or treatment, contact Glynns Solicitors to discuss the possibility of making a compensation claim.
The impact of encephalitis
A delay in diagnosing encephalitis can prove fatal. Where the individual survives, the long-term difficulties then encountered can be life-changing. The patient may be left with permanent brain damage, causing them to suffer a variety of debilitating symptoms including the following:
- Memory loss
- Learning difficulties
- Poor concentration
- Epilepsy
- Fatigue
- Depression
Such symptoms can make it very difficult for an individual to function effectively in terms of working, studying, travelling and undertaking everyday chores.
If you or a loved one are suffering the effects of encephalitis due to a delay in diagnosis and treatment, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Diagnosing encephalitis
Encephalitis is fairly rare in the UK and diagnosis in its early stages can be difficult. Nonetheless, the earlier a patient achieves a diagnosis, the better outcome they might expect.
This appalling illness, inflammation of the brain, is usually caused by an underlying viral infection. Many of the infections associated with encephalitis are relatively uncommon in the UK accounting for the rarity of the condition. Viral infections such as measles, mumps and HIV can trigger encephalitis.
In order to achieve a diagnosis it is likely that the patient will need to undergo a range of tests, to eliminate other possible explanations for their symptoms and to clarify that encephalitis is the most likely explanation.
Therefore, it is necessary for medical professionals to have a willingness to suspect encephalitis and refer a patient for the appropriate tests such as a CT scan or MRI scan.
Without such a referral, delays can build up meaning that treatment is delayed and the patient may suffer a poor long-term outcome.
Symptoms of encephalitis
Symptoms which might suggest that a patient is suffering from encephalitis include the following:
- Lethargy
- Headache
- Personality changes
- Confusion or altered mental state
- High temperature
- Sensitivity to light
- Loss of consciousness
Making a claim for compensation
Recovering from encephalitis or coming to terms with its long-term impact can take time and affect not only the patient but the family and friends who support them. The patient may find it difficult to work and suffer financially as well as physically, mentally and psychologically from a delayed diagnosis.
A successful compensation claim can help to soften the blow created by the impact of this terrible illness. The claimant can receive compensation for their pain and suffering as well as loss of income or costs of care needs.
Speak to a specialist medical negligence claim solicitor
If you or a loved one are struggling with the impact of encephalitis due to medical negligence, contact Glynns Solicitors. We are a specialist medical negligence legal practice and one of our experienced solicitors will be very happy to advise oyu as to the suitability of making a claim.
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