Meningitis Misdiagnosis Compensation Claims Solicitors

Have you or a loved one suffered from Meningitis Misdiagnosis?

If you, or a loved one has been taken ill with meningitis and you believe an incorrect, or delayed diagnosis directly contributed to a more detrimental outcome then you may be entitled to pursue a claim for financial compensation.

First of all, if this is something you have experienced please accept our heartfelt sympathy, particularly if the outcome was the loss of a loved one. The pain of losing someone close is devastating and hard enough to bear, but to believe, or know that the outcome could have been different if the right action had been taken must be very hard to accept.

At Sheldon Davidson we understand the emotional sensitivity of such cases and we pride ourselves on our supportive and empathic approach. We also recognise that in such circumstances people have a need to seek justice and this is where undoubtedly we can help.

Our team of expert lawyers are specially trained to manage sensitive cases where people have been impacted by a medical misdiagnosis.

As most people know meningitis is a life-threatening infection most commonly caused by viral or bacterial infections. The infection causes inflammation of the membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord (mengines). If left untreated the infection can lead to septicaemia (blood poisoning) and for this reason swift diagnosis and admission to hospital is critical.

Call us today for a free, initial consultation and one of our experts will listen to the circumstances of your case and then advise whether you are in fact entitled to pursue a claim for financial compensation. We will also use the opportunity to reassure you that you are in the best hands by demonstrating our sensitive and supportive approach.

We are confident that after this initial consultation you will be convinced that Sheldon Davidson are the best people to support you in your pursuit of justice.

Types of meningitis and susceptible groups

Meningitis can strike literally out of the blue and can develop into a life-threatening condition in a matter of hours. It can affect anyone, anywhere in the world, although there are some populations who are more susceptible than others and these include:

Age: people of any age can contract meningitis, but babies and toddlers are at increased risk. For this reason, children in the UK are vaccinated against most strains via the NHS vaccination schedule.

Young Adults: in particular teenagers, sixth formers and Students, or those living away from home for the first time are susceptible to certain bacteria strains and for this reason, are advised to have the Meningitis ACWY vaccine.

Older Adults or those with weakened immunity: anyone with weak immunity such as the elderly, or those who are already ill are susceptible since they are less able to fight off infection.

In total there are five types of Meningitis and these are: 

Bacterial: this form is potentially life-threatening. It can lead to serious complications such as brain damage, hearing loss and even death.

Viral: this form is more common than Bacterial and normally less severe. It is not usually fatal, although for the elderly and those with weakened immunity death can sometimes occur.

Parasitic: a very rare form caused by a parasite known as Naegleria Fowleri which has been detected all over the world in warm, freshwater sources such as lakes, rivers and hot springs. The infection progresses rapidly and unfortunately is usually fatal.

Fungal: another rare form usually caused by contaminated soil or contact with bird or bat droppings.

Non-infectious: this form is usually suffered by cancer patients, lupus sufferers, people who have suffered a brain injury, or have undergone brain surgery.

What is meningitis misdiagnosis or negligence?

With infections like meningitis which can lead to blood poisoning time is literally of the essence, since minutes and even seconds can count. The quicker the diagnosis and commencement of treatment, the more chance the person has of making a full recovery and ultimately survival.

Any failure, or delay in correct diagnosis can significantly impact the person’s chances of escaping life-changing ailments and in some cases death.

With this in mind GPs and Medical professionals are duty bound to ensure timely and correct diagnosis, although this is not easy as the symptoms can present in the same way as many common, everyday illnesses such as cold and flu.

The first symptoms are usually: fever, vomiting, stiff neck, high temperature, dislike of bright lights and a rash.

In terms of GPs and Medical Professionals and their obligation to provide timely and correct diagnosis, they could be considered to have acted negligently in any of the below cases, although this list is not exhaustive:

• Failed to recognise the signs and symptoms resulting in delayed diagnosis
• Failed, or delayed referral or admission to hospital
• Failed or delayed intravenous treatment of antibiotics
• Failed to provide adequate monitoring of pregnant woman with Group B Streptococcus (GBS)
• Failed to prescribe antibiotics to pregnant woman with Group B Streptococcus (GBS)
• Record of a GBS urine infection during pregnancy
• Failed to monitor a baby at high risk of developing Group B Streptococcus

Once again this list is not exhaustive and there are many other potential circumstances where Meningitis misdiagnosis and negligence can occur.

The best way to gain a definitive view as to whether your specific circumstances are likely to be deemed as negligent by a court is to pick up the phone and speak with one of our expert lawyers.

They will listen to the circumstances of your case and then advise with a high degree of certainty whether a court will view the conduct of your GP or Medical Professional(s) as negligent or not.

What compensation can I claim for Meningitis Misdiagnosis?

At the outset of any claim it is simply not possible to provide a definitive figure of the sum that can be claimed, since it is dependent on the specific circumstances of the case and certain subjective elements, such as pain and suffering and any life-changing or long-term impact.

The best we can do at the outset is provide indicative figures awarded for similar cases.

For a claim for financial compensation to be successful however the right legal representation can make all the difference.

The main objective is to prove that someone acted negligently. This then becomes the party at fault, or to blame, and therefore liable to pay compensation.

This is the first task.

The second task is to ensure the maximum amount possible is eventually awarded by the court. This requires a solid and detailed case to be built, detailing the devastating and lasting impact on the affected person and their immediate family.

At Sheldon Davidson we will leave no stone unturned in the preparation of your case, as we are passionate about the law and seeing justice done. In short we build our cases to win and our track record speaks for itself.

In terms of any financial sum awarded by the court the final sum is split into two types of damages:

Special Damages

This sum is awarded to recompense for out of pocket expenses incurred as a result of the negligence. The intention is for this sum to return you to the financial position you would have been in had the negligence not occurred and so it covers such things as lost income, medical expenses, travel expenses, home care or domestic services etc.

General Damages

This sum is awarded for the pain and suffering and loss of amenity which means the inability to perform tasks or activities previously enjoyed such as hobbies or socialising with friends. This element of the compensation is intended to compensate you for the effect the negligence has had on the quality of life you once enjoyed. If you are pursuing a case on behalf of a loved one who has sadly lost their life as a result of the negligence then there are other factors that will be considered, such as a fixed sum for bereavement, any loss of financial independency, funeral expenses and the lasting loss of losing a family member.

Once again, if you are looking to pursue a case as a result of losing a loved one through what you believe to be Meningitis misdiagnosis then you have our utmost sympathy.

Whilst we recognise that nothing will ever compensate for the devastating loss you have suffered we also recognise that justice and the confirmation by a court of law that negligence was to blame can be of great help in the healing process.

You can rest assured that in choosing Sheldon Davidson to act on your behalf you will gain an ally who will fight your corner all the way to ensure you get the justice and eventually the financial compensation you deserve to rebuild your life.

Our team of experts are ready and waiting to receive your call and listen to your story, so take that first step on your journey towards healing today. 

Why choose us?

Established in Manchester in 1997, we are a leading specialist medical negligence, accident at work and personal injury law firm acting for claimants nationwide.

Our expert medical negligence solicitors regularly act for clients across Greater Manchester including Ashton, Bury, Bolton, Radcliffe, Prestwich, Middleton, Failsworth, Rochdale, Oldham and Whitefield.

Our team of recognised Meningitis Misdiagnosis Claims Solicitors can support your needs wherever you live in Wales, England & Northern Ireland.

Call us for free now using the number at the top of the page or complete the online contact form and a member of our team will get back to you.