Claiming Compensation for Mismanagement of Crohn's Disease
Delays by medical professionals in treating crohn's disease can leave the patient in a life-threatening situation. There are times when it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
A delay in the diagnosis or treatment of a patient with crohn's disease can allow the intestine to rupture, allowing bacteria to leak into the abdominal cavity causing the patient to develop peritonitis.
A treatment delay case study
In a recent case, our client was known to suffer with crohn's disease and had done for many years. When his condition deteriorated, however, medical professionals delayed surgery in favour of biological therapy despite the evidence of a scan showing that the bowel was under pressure. The delay was too long, the bowel ruptured and our client then required emergency surgery involving the removal of a large part of his bowel.
The long-term impact of such a situation can be both physically and psychologically debilitating. Peritonitis can lead to sepsis which can cause multiple organ failure and, unless treated rapidly, can cause the death of the patient. Where the patient survives, their long-term health is compromised. Their ability to work can become restricted causing a long-term financial loss.
Delayed diagnosis
An initial prompt diagnosis of crohn's disease is equally crucial to the long-term well-being of the patient.
When a patient visits their GP or A amp; E unit with severe abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea, crohn's disease should be considered as a possible diagnosis and the appropriate diagnostic tests undertaken.
Should a failure to recognise the implications of the patient's symptoms lead to a delay in diagnosis which causes the patient to suffer a poor long-term outcome, the medical professional may be considered to have acted negligently.
It may be appropriate in these circumstances to consider making a claim for compensation.
Making a claim
The first step in making a compensation claim for medical negligence is to seek expert advice.
If you or a loved one are suffering the debilitating and distressing impact of poor medical management of crohn's disease, contact us to discuss your situation with a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
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For a free, no-obligation enquiry, contact us at Glynns Solicitors. We are located between Bath and Bristol, and act for victims of medical error across England and Wales.
Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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