Delayed Diagnosis Medical Negligence Claims
If you're fortunate a delay in diagnosing a medical condition will not have an adverse long-term effect on you. For some people, however, a delay in recognition and investigation of their symptoms and the underlying cause can be life-changing.
A wide range of medical conditions require prompt diagnosis and emergency treatment. A delay may leave the patient with permanent and often debilitating symptoms such as brain damage, incontinence and loss of mobility.
Where medical professionals have failed to undertake the necessary assessments, have failed to recognise symptoms or make a suitable referral for further action, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation for any long-term consequences.
Bowel perforation
A failure to treat an underlying condition which may cause a bowel perforation and put the patient at risk of sepsis may be regarded as negligent. A failure to recognise that a patient is suffering from a perforated or ruptured bowel, leading to a poor long-term outcome may justify a compensation claim.
Cancer
A delay in suspecting cancer and a failure to keep to the referral timings may allow the cancer to spread to other parts of the body, putting the patient at greater risk of long-term problems.
Cauda equina syndrome
A delay in recognising the symptoms of compressed cauda equina nerves in the lower back can be catastrophic. If the patient does not undergo surgery at the optimum moment, they may face a lifetime of double incontinence and paralysis.
Stroke
A delay in recognising the symptoms of a mini-stroke may allow the patient to suffer a major stroke with all the associated long-term debilitating problems. If medical professionals are responsible for this delay, it may be appropriate to make a claim for the long-term impact such as loss of income or the costs of care.
Severe birth tears
Damage to the anal muscles during vaginal childbirth can be devastating and the effects of incontinence can be permanent if the injury is not diagnosed promptly after the birth.
Although only a minority of women suffer such an appalling injury, the impact on their living is dramatic. A failure to assess a new mother for such damage may be regarded as negligent.
Claiming compensation
A successful compensation claim can provide recompense for the long-term effects of a failure in medical care.
If you or a loved one are struggling with the impact of a delay in diagnosing a serious medical condition, contact us here at Glynns Solicitors to talk with a specialist medical negligence solicitor about the suitability of making a claim.
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