Marion attended her GP complaining of back pain, weight loss,
night sweats, tiredness, heart palpitations, severe headaches and
aching limbs. Sacro-iliac joint strain was diagnosed.
About a month later, Marion re-attended with the same
complaints. Her GP referred her to St. Helier Hospital for a chest
x-ray and urine test.
Two weeks later, the GP reported to Marion that these were clear
and prescribed an antibiotic (for a virus). Marion’s symptoms
persisted and a month later, her foot became numb with swelling
around her left ankle.
The GP again referred her for more x-rays, but this time made a
diagnosis of post natal depression. Marion returned to her GP one
month later, reporting the same symptoms. The GP repeated the
diagnosis of post-natal depression and an anti-depressant was
prescribed.
Three weeks later, Marion woke up with a loss of right-sided
vision. Her GP noted visual defect, paraesthesia in her right hand
and a collapse the previous day.
An abnormal blood pressure and pulse rate were recorded and
abnormalities to the CNS were seen. Marion was admitted immediately
to hospital and a diagnosis of subacute bacterial endocarditis was
made.
As a result of the six month delay in diagnosing the illness,
Marion has been left with very severe disabilities and was no
longer able to work or drive.
A settlement was agreed in the sum of £350,000, plus costs.
For further information or if you have a medical negligence claim please call
Paul McNeil on 020 7861
4019 or email paul.mcneil@ffw.com
You can discuss your compensation claim
with any member of our medical negligence
team on freephone 0800 358 3848, email
personalinjury@ffw.com
or complete our short enquiry form.