Compensation for Perforated Bowel due to Diverticulitis Misdiagnosis
A misdiagnosis of diverticulitis can put the patient at risk of a perforated or ruptured bowel and on-going problems. It may justify the initiation of a claim for compensation.
The risks of a perforated bowel
A perforated bowel is a medical emergency and can risk triggering life-threatening sepsis. If bacterial matter escapes the bowel and enters the abdominal cavity, the patient is at risk of infection and can become very seriously unwell. The long-term impact of a perforated bowel can be life-changing and the patient may be left with permanent disability and debilitating symptoms.
An abdominal infection such as peritonitis can trigger sepsis, a dysfunctional system response, which can cause multiple organ failure if the patient does not receive rapid treatment.
Patients who survive sepsis can suffer a lifetime of debilitating symptoms including the following:
- Fatigue
- Breathlessness
- Visual losses
- Cognitive difficulties
- Muscular aches and pains
- Sleep difficulties
Diverticulitis and perforated bowel
If a perforated bowel occurs due to undiagnosed or misdiagnosed diverticulitis, the relevant medical professionals may be regarded as having provided substandard care.
Diverticulitis is a condition of the bowel where pouches (diverticula) develop in the lining and can become infected, causing inflammation and risking a rupture. A delay in diagnosis, maybe through misdiagnosing the patient's symptoms, can increase the chance of this happening.
Diverticulitis medical negligence
It is important that diverticular disease is diagnosed promptly and monitored for any signs of deterioration and risk of perforation.
A failure to consider this diagnosis or a misdiagnosis of abdominal and bowel symptoms may put the patient at risk.
Symptoms which might indicate diverticular disease in a patient could include pain in the lower left abdomen, which might be exacerbated by eating. Increased pain and signs of infection such as a high temperature could indicate that diverticulitis has set in.
Timing of compensation claims
It is important to remember that compensation claims for medical negligence need to be commenced within three years of the alleged negligence.
If a medical professional misdiagnosed your symptoms of diverticulitis in November 2018, leading to a poor long-term outcome, a compensation claim should be initiated before November 2021.
Speak to a solicitor
If you are considering making a claim for compensation for the long-term impact of a perforated bowel due to diverticulitis negligence, you will need the support of a legal specialist.
Glynns Solicitors is a medical negligence legal practice with a team of lawyers experienced in this particular area of the law.
Contact us today to talk to a specialist.
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.
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