Fibromyalgia Caused by Medical Negligence
Fibromyalgia is a condition characterised by widespread pain and fatigue which can cause life-long disability. Its underlying cause is unclear but where it has been triggered by medical negligence, the patient might be able to make a claim for compensation.
What is fibromyalgia?
A patient with fibromyalgia is likely to be suffering with on-going pain in several areas of the body. They are also likely to be experiencing disrupted, non-refreshing sleep and fatigue, alongside possible brain fog, stiffness and increased sensitivity to pain.
Fibromyalgia is also sometimes associated with other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and depression.
The impact of fibromyalgia
Unsurprisingly, the impact of suffering with fibromyalgia can be significant.
The above-mentioned symptoms can impact on the patient's life in a variety of ways:
- Difficulty holding down a job
- Difficulty carrying out daily, household and personal chores
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty caring for children
What causes fibromyalgia?
It is not entirely clear what causes fibromyalgia. It is believed to be a product of changes in the chemicals in the brain as well as possibly having a genetic cause.
It is thought, however, that its development in an individual may be triggered by a range of possible physical and/or psychological events causing trauma to the patient.
Physical trauma could be events such as childbirth, surgery, an infection or an accident. Psychological trauma triggering the condition might be bereavement or the shock of a surgical procedure.
Medical Negligence
Where fibromyalgia is triggered by a stressful event - be it physical or psychological - which should or could have been avoided or handled differently, the patient may be able to make a claim for compensation for their pain, suffering and long-term financial losses.
Examples of this type of scenario might include the following:
- When fibromyalgia is triggered by a surgical procedure which would not have been necessary but for the failings of the medical professionals
- A surgical procedure which was negligent in its execution causing possibly both physical and psychological stress to the patient
- An infection following a medical procedure which could have been avoided with a higher standard of care
Developing fibromyalgia is not necessarily a sign of negligence on the part of medical professionals but where its likely trigger could have been avoided, it may be considered to have been so.
Claiming compensation
If you or a loved one are suffering long-term disability due to fibromyalgia which could have been avoided with better quality medical care, you may wish to consider making a claim for compensation.
Contact Glynns Solicitors. We are a specialist medical negligence legal practice and would be happy to advise you as to the best way forward.
Call us free on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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