Compensation for Delayed Diagnosis of Pulmonary Embolism
A delay in diagnosing a pulmonary embolism may be considered as negligent. If the patient suffers a poor long-term outcome as a result, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
A pulmonary embolism is often not diagnosed prior to it occurring. It can be mistaken for a respiratory condition, musculoskeletal chest pain or heart failure amongst other conditions. Unfortunately, this failure of diagnosis or misdiagnosis can prove fatal.
NICE guidelines
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines indicate the need for immediate admission to hospital for people with suspected pulmonary embolism (high heart rate, low blood pressure, pale, in shock).
For other patients who may be exhibiting PE symptoms, it is recommended that medical practitioners use the two-level PE Wells score to assess the clinical probability that the patient is suffering a pulmonary embolism:
By this method, the patient is marked according to the following criteria in order to determine the best course of action and the likelihood that they are suffering a pulmonary embolism.
- Clinical features of DVT (swelling and pain in the leg)
- Heartbeat more than 100 per minute
- Immobilisation for more than 3 days , or recent surgery
- Cancer sufferer
- Previous DVT
In carrying out their assessment, it is important that medical practitioners take into account any pre-existing risk factors which might increase the chances of the patient suffering PE.
Risk factors would include the following:
- Having suffered deep vein thrombosis
- Having an extended period of time immobile
- Being obese
- Suffering with cancer
- Other members of the family suffering DVT or PE
- Being pregnant
Symptoms of pulmonary embolism
Symptoms indicative of a possible pulmonary embolism include chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing and feeling faint.
Where the patient presents to their medical practitioner with such symptoms, a failure to consider the possibility that the patient is developing a pulmonary embolism may be regarded as substandard care. The possibility of a fatal outcome should ensure that a pulmonary embolism is ruled out as a priority.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one are suffering the long-term impact of a misdiagnosed pulmonary embolism, contact Glynns Solicitors to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
If your quality of life and ability to work have been affected by this shocking illness, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
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