Meningitis is a deadly disease where the protective membrane that surrounds the brain and the spinal cord becomes infected. It can come in two forms: viral and bacterial.
Viral meningitis can be less serious and generally gets better by itself, and can be treated at home. If it is bacterial, however, it can be very serious indeed.
If it’s not treated quickly it can lead to partial or full loss of hearing or vision, possible amputation of limbs that have been affected, epilepsy, and co-ordination and balance problems.
It can also be fatal with 1 in 10 cases resulting in death (http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Meningitis/Pages/Introduction.aspx)
So, with the seriousness of what can happen if it isn’t picked up in time, a patient may be eligible for compensation if the NHS fails to diagnose the disease quickly enough.
Delayed diagnosis and treatment
While meningitis can affect anyone, it’s more common in babies, young children, teenagers, and young adults. In cases where there has been a delayed diagnosis and/or a delay in providing medical treatment, a claim for compensation can be made against medical practitioners for any negligence on their part.
As meningitis shares similar symptoms with other conditions that are less serious, it can go misdiagnosed by your GP. A misdiagnosis by a GP in the early stages that allows the disease to develop can cause complications for the patient, but also, in some cases, a delayed diagnosed can result in death.
A delay in treatment can have the same effect as a delayed diagnosis. A delay in treatment can cause symptoms to worsen which can progressively lead to the patient suffering further complications or death. As meningitis needs to be treated as quickly as possible, any delays and failure to treat quickly enough can have serious consequences.
In cases of a delayed diagnosis or delayed treatment, a claim can be made.
Our Medical Negligence Lawyers
No one wants to have to go through the pain of suffering due to delayed diagnosis or delayed treatment. The health effects that can be caused can be serious; and fatal.
If you or a loved one has suffered due to a delayed diagnosis or treatment of meningitis, you may be able to claim for compensation. Medical negligence that delays diagnosis or treatment can have a serious affect on someone psychologically, physically, and financially, and these are all aspects we look at.
We’re here to help, so please don’t hesitate to contact us for free and friendly, no obligation, advice.
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