Claiming Compensation for Delayed Diagnosis of Septic Arthritis
A delay in diagnosing and treating septic arthritis can leave the patient with permanent disability and may justify a claim for compensation.
The urgency of septic arthritis
Septic arthritis needs to be diagnosed as a matter of urgency. This infection in the joint causes pain and inflammation in the affected joint and can, if treatment is delayed, leave the patient with long-term symptoms and physical difficulties.
If you are suffering from septic arthritis, you will need to be given intravenous antibiotics and may also need to have the joint drained of fluid to remove the infection. A misdiagnosis, however, will delay the initiation of treatment and can allow the condition to deteriorate.
The patient may suffer long-term mobility problems and may even have to undergo a life-changing amputation due to the impact of the condition.
Diagnosing septic arthritis
Usually caused by bacteria spreading from elsewhere in the body, septic arthritis can develop quickly, causing intensely painful symptoms.
Symptoms which should warrant further investigation include the following:
- Sudden pain in a joint, such as the knee
- Swelling and inflammation around the joint
- A raised temperature and fever or chills suggestive of infection
Septic arthritis can also develop following joint surgery which allows bacteria to access the joint and such a scenario should raise the possibility of this painful diagnosis.
A failure to recognise the symptoms leading to a misdiagnosis and a delay in treatment may be regarded as negligent medical care. A failure to seek further specialist advice or a second opinion when there is any doubt as to a diagnosis may be regarded as substandard care.
Claiming compensation
If you have suffered significant financial losses as a result of your negligent medical care, it may help to make a claim for compensation. A successful claim will address issues such as loss of income due to the impact of your on-going physical problems.
However, it is important to remember that claims for compensation for medical negligence need to be initiated within three years of the date of the alleged negligence.
If you believe you may have been the victim of significant medical negligence, do not delay.
Contact a legal expert
Glynns Solicitors is a specialist medical negligence legal practice with a team of experienced lawyers who can advise and support you through making a claim.
If you or a loved one are struggling with the impact of septic arthritis due to poor-quality medical care, contact us to discuss your situation free of charge with a specialist solicitor.
Early legal assistance can be vital so please contact us if you would like to discuss your situation. Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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