Medical Diagnosis Negligence and How to Claim Compensation
If a patient attends a medical professional concerned about their symptoms, it is reasonable to expect a competent, acceptable level of care. When this does not happen, the consequences can occasionally be life-changing. The patient would then be legally entitled to make a claim for compensation.
Medical diagnosis negligence
The process of diagnosis of the underlying cause or causes of a patient's symptoms is utterly essential to them accessing the most appropriate medical care within the best timeframe.
Achieving a diagnosis may not be straightforward but a patient should expect that their medical professional takes all necessary steps to investigate their symptoms in order to provide an answer.
Medical negligence during the course of diagnosis can take a variety of forms including the following:
- A failure to recognise the possible implications of the patient's symptoms, leading to a delay in investigation, diagnosis and treatment
- A failure to carry out an examination and assessment of the patient when this would normally be regarded as necessary
- A misdiagnosis of the patient's symptoms which may cause a delay in achieving an accurate diagnosis
- A failure to refer a patient for further investigation or specialist opinion when this would normally be regarded as necessary
- A failure to make a referral within an appropriate timeframe
- A failure of safety-netting such as failing to warn the patient of red flag symptoms or a failure to monitor the patient's condition
Where time-sensitive conditions are concerned, such as cancer, heart failure, a stroke and cauda equina syndrome, a delay can be catastrophic.
Consequences of negligence
The patient may suffer permanent physical, psychological and cognitive symptoms which may not have been the case with more timely and accurate medical care. They may no longer be able to work or be restricted in the hours or type of employment which they are able to manage. They may require personal care. They may require their own home to be altered to accommodate their needs.
Where such a debilitating and distressing outcome is the result of substandard medical care, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation which would address the financial losses experienced by the patient.
Speak to a legal specialist
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with extensive expertise in high-value diagnosis failure claims.
If you or a loved one are struggling with the appalling consequences of negligent medical care, contact us today to speak with a specialist solicitor, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim for compensation.
Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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