Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments provide vital care, they are often busy with doctors and nurses working under pressure. Unfortunately, this means that sometimes mistakes can happen, and these mistakes can have devastating consequences for patients. If you or a loved one has suffered due to a failure to diagnose and treat in A&E, you may be entitled to make a clinical negligence claim and receive compensation.
What is Clinical Negligence?
Clinical negligence occurs when the standard of care provided by a healthcare professional falls below what is reasonably expected, resulting in harm to the patient. In the context of A&E, this can include:
- Failure to diagnose a condition promptly: Delays in identifying serious conditions such as fractures, heart attacks, strokes, or infections can lead to worsening health outcomes.
- Delayed treatment: Even if a condition is diagnosed, delays in providing the necessary treatment can cause significant harm.
- Misinterpretation of test results: Errors in reading X-rays, blood tests, or other diagnostic tools can lead to incorrect or delayed treatment.
- Inadequate examination: Failing to conduct a thorough examination can result in missed diagnoses and untreated conditions, leading to a worse outcome for patients.
The Impact of Delayed Diagnosis and Treatment
The consequences of delayed diagnosis and treatment can be severe, including:
- Worsening of the original condition: Delays can allow the initial illness or injury to progress, potentially causing irreversible damage.
- Development of new complications: Untreated conditions can lead to additional health issues, such as infections or blood clots.
- Increased pain and suffering: Patients may endure unnecessary pain and emotional distress due to delays in receiving appropriate care.
- Psychological trauma: The experience of negligence can lead to anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Making a Clinical Negligence Claim
If you believe you’ve experienced clinical negligence in A&E or any other setting, it is important to seek legal advice. At Ison Harrison Solicitors, our specialist team is here to guide you through the process.
We will talk with you in a free, initial telephone consultation and if we think there is sufficient evidence and grounds to prove liability, we will take on your case on a no-win-no-fee basis, meaning you have no financial risk in choosing Ison Harrison.
Call us on 0113 284 5000 or email us at clinneg@isonharrison.co.uk and we can start the process of investigating the treatment you have received and understanding what has gone wrong.
