Medical Misdiagnosis Negligence and When to Make a Claim
A misdiagnosis by a medical professional can provide inappropriate reassurance to the patient and trigger the wrong treatment pathway. It may also justify a claim for compensation if the patient suffers as a result.
The impact of a misdiagnosis
Many conditions are time-sensitive and require an urgent or emergency medical response. A delay can allow the patient's condition to deteriorate in ways which may cause a poor long-term outcome. Amongst the many and varied conditions of which this may be true, the following could be included:
- Sepsis
- Necrotising fasciitis
- Stroke
- Pulmonary embolism
- Cancer
- Inflammatory bowel disorder or other bowel condition which may trigger a perforation if not diagnosed
- Spinal nerve compression
- Compartment syndrome
The physical consequences can be life-limiting in some cases. Elsewhere, the patient may be rendered severely disabled as a result of the negligent care. In the worst scenarios, the patient may even die.
Consequences of a misdiagnosis
Where a patient's physical and psychological outcome is severe, their quality of life may suffer significantly. An individual who has been rendered disabled or severely ill by their negligence medical care may no longer be able to work or may be restricted in the hours or type of work they can undertake. In such circumstances, the financial losses would be incorporated into a successful claim.
Furthermore, if an individual has become reliant on care or requires alterations to their home in order to be able to function safely, the associated costs may be addressed within a claim.
The right to compensation
If negligent care by a medical professional, including a misdiagnosis of symptoms where an acceptable medical response would have led a more timely and appropriate outcome, the patient is legally entitled to claim compensation insofar as their problems have been caused by the negligence.
It is important to bear in mind, however, that claims for medical negligence need to be issued with a court within three years of the date of the alleged negligence. A thorough investigation of the patient's medical care is required before this deadline so, if you think you may have a claim, don't delay before contacting specialist legal advice.
Medical negligence legal specialist
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with a team of experienced solicitors and specific expertise in high-value claims.
Contact us today to talk to a 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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