Infective Endocarditis Negligence and Compensation
A delay in the diagnosis and initiation of treatment for infective endocarditis may be regarded as negligent. Where either is delayed, the patient's condition may deteriorate rapidly.
What is infective endocarditis?
Endocarditis is a condition of the heart where the lining has become infected by bacteria in the blood. It may be more likely to occur where the patient already suffers from problems with the valves of the heart.
The patient may require treatment with antibiotics, and surgery is also a possibility.
The threat of delayed treatment
A delay in undertaking treatment for this debilitating condition has the potential to lead to a wide variety of complications, some of which can prove life-threatening.
A patient with undiagnosed infective endocarditis may be at risk of suffering some of the following long-term health problems:
- Heart failure
- A stroke
- Brain damage
- Kidney failure
The need for prompt diagnosis and medical attention is clear.
What constitutes negligence?
A medical professional may be regarded as having provided substandard care of their patient not simply for a failure to recognise and diagnose the symptom sof infective endocarditis. It is not a common condition and many medical professionals may not be familiar with its presenting symptoms.
However, a failure to consider the possibility of this condition as a diagnosis and a failure to seek specialist advice may well be regarded as negligent.
A misdiagnosis, delaying the initiation of treatment and thereby giving the patient false reassurance may be considered to be substandard care.
Symptoms and diagnosis
Symptoms could include those typical of infection such as a high temperature and headache, shivering and muscular pain.
The patient may also have a history of heart problems.
The patient may need to undergo a variety of tests such as an ultrasound or CT scan. They may need to have blood tests taken. A failure to refer a patient for the necessary tests to rule out endocarditis may be regarded as negligent.
Claiming compensation
Where medical delays or failures have allowed the patient to suffer a worse long-term outcome than would otherwise have been the case, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
A successful compensation claim can provide recompense not only for the patient's pain and suffering but also for their financial losses caused by the negligence, such as a loss of employment and income.
Contact Glynns Solicitors, specialists in medical negligence compensation, if you or a loved one are struggling with the impact of this debilitating condition.
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