Medical Emergency Negligence and When to Claim Compensation
Medical emergencies are thus described for a very good reason. Where medical professionals fail to respond to a patient whose condition is an emergency, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Medical emergencies
Some medical conditions are identified as medical emergencies where a delay in diagnosis and treatment could prove catastrophic for the patient.
It may be that a delay in appropriate treatment puts the patient at risk of permanent disability or it may be that it increases their chance of dying from their condition.
Where medical professionals are responsible for such a delay, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Examples of conditions which are regarded as a medical emergency could include the following:
- Cauda equina syndrome where the patient risks permanent disability
- Necrotising fasciitis where the patient is at risk of disability or death
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Sepsis, which is a major cause of death worldwide
Competent medical care
Medical professionals need to be aware of the symptoms of conditions which are regarded as a medical emergency as well as being aware of the urgency of referral and treatment.
A failure to recognise the red flag symptoms of a medical emergency can leave a patient at risk.
A failure to understand the urgent nature of the patient's condition may also threaten the patient's life or fundamental well-being.
A delay in making a referral may lead to a diagnosis and treatment delay.
A failure to provide adequate red flag advice may lead to a delay in medical care.
When to claim compensation
A patient, or their loved one, is legally entitled to claim compensation when substandard medical care has caused them to suffer a worse outcome than would have been the case with a competent level of care.
Where a medical emergency is concerned, it is likely that negligent medical care in the form of a delay will leave the patient suffering.
The nature of the compensation depends on the impact of the negligence on the patient and their quality of life.
Where appropriate, it could include the costs of care, where this is now necessary, and any loss of earnings where the patient is now unable to work or is restricted in what they can earn.
Speak to a specialist solicitor
An experienced medical negligence solicitor is crucial to a successful compensation claim. These complex procedures require the benefit of extensive experience and expertise, without which the case may flounder.
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with a team of experienced lawyers and a history of success in complex, high-value claims.
Contact us today to talk to a solicitor, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim.
We can offer No Win No Fee medical negligence funding which we will discuss with you during your free initial telephone discussion.
Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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