Stroke Misdiagnosis Compensation Claims

Stroke Misdiagnosis Compensation Claims

In the UK, stroke is one of the leading causes of death that accounts for roughly 75% of deaths from cerebrovascular diseases. Though a relatively common condition, some medical professionals still miss the symptoms and fail to diagnose stroke as quickly as possible, leading to stroke misdiagnosis compensation claims.

A person is said to have a stroke when blood supply to the brain is cut off or interrupted thereby preventing the brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. The longer the interruption or blockage remains, the greater the damages suffered by patients. 

Victims of stroke are often left with life-altering long term disabilities and are even at the risk of death. This is why healthcare providers must act quickly to ensure that signs are detected and accurate diagnoses are made to increase the chances of survival and possible rehabilitation of patients.

Our stroke misdiagnosis solicitors are experts in bringing stroke misdiagnosis compensation claims. They are fully aware of the devastating effect of stroke misdiagnosis and will dedicate their time to seeing that you get the justice you deserve. 

Claiming Compensation for Stroke misdiagnosis

One of the most common medical misdiagnosis in the UK that our medical negligence solicitors encounter is stroke misdiagnosis. When a stroke is misdiagnosed, the impact could be very devastating and may affect every area of a person’s life. For example, leaving them incapacitated and unable to perform basic functions, thereby requiring ongoing costs for medical care. 

Compensation from successful stroke misdiagnosis claims can fund the cost of the extra care and support that victims may need. Stroke misdiagnosis compensation can also replace lost incomes and provide some relief for your pain and suffering. 

If you or your loved one have suffered a stroke due to negligence, you must act quickly to bring stroke misdiagnosis compensation claims as there are strict time limits with bringing a claim. Our medical negligence solicitors can advise you more about this if you call on 0800 644 4240 today.

Steps in making stroke misdiagnosis claims

 Need to make a claim? Start today! Our process is very simple and straightforward as illustrated below

Our Medical Negligence Solicitors would require that you provide certain relevant information and documents which will serve as evidence in claiming benefits after a stroke. In cases where an Independent Medical expert may be needed to examine you and give a report of your condition, we could also assist you. Some of the documents you may be asked to provide include;

When you provide us with the above evidence, our medical professional will act to ensure that the four D’s of negligence that apply to all negligence claims are proven. In simpler terms, we will prove:

• Duty ( that your healthcare provider owed you a duty to care for you)
• Deviation (that he/she failed in that duty of care by misdiagnosing your condition)
• Direct causation (that such failure in duty directly caused you undue pain and suffering or a worsened condition)
• Damages (that you have been severely impacted both physically, emotionally, psychologically and financially) 

How can strokes be misdiagnosed?

Generally, stroke is classified into two main types:

• Haemorrhage stroke: This occurs when a weakened blood vessel supplying the brain bursts resulting in bleeding and consequently brain damage. 
• Ischaemic stroke: Here, due to a blood clot that happens, the blood supply to the brain stops. 

Because of the wide range of symptoms of stroke and their varying severity, sometimes, it is difficult to spot and diagnose the condition thereby leading to a case of medical misdiagnosis. 

The condition of stroke can be misdiagnosed as:

• Seizure 
• Multiple sclerosis 
• Bell’s palsy 
• Migraine 
• Low or high blood sugar 
• Conversion disorder 
• Other infection (sepsis) 

However, most often than not, victims of stroke misdiagnosis whom our solicitors have helped fall within one or more of the following categories: 

What are the signs and symptoms of a stroke?

Some of the symptoms and common signs of stroke include

• Loss or dim vision 
• Loss of balance 
• Passing out 
• Sudden severe headache 
• Numbness on one side of the face 
• Sudden weakness 

It is vital that healthcare providers are vigilant to identify the warning signs and symptoms of a stroke. Unfortunately in a number of stroke cases, symptoms are negligently missed, leading to stroke misdiagnosis compensation claims. 

The easiest way to detect if someone is suffering a stroke is to remember the acronym “FAST” which represents Face-Arms- Speech-Time. 

• Face – The face may have dropped to one side and the person suffering a stroke may not be able to smile
• Arms –  The person may not be able to lift both arms because of arm weakness or numbness.
• Speech – Their speech may be slurred or may not be able to speak at all.
• Time –  It is time to dial 999 immediately if any of these symptoms are spotted.

Who is at Risk of a Stroke?

Stroke can happen to anyone at any age. While children may be overlooked, it can still occur in children. However, more generally, people over the age of 65 are at most risk of suffering a stroke. It is also said that Africans, Asians and people from the Caribbeans are at higher risk of developing stroke. This is owing to a predisposition to developing high blood pressure.

Other categories of people such as smokers, overweight, high cholesterol, poor diet, and diabetes are also at risk of suffering a stroke. Medical professionals need are trained to be aware of patients who are at higher risk of having a stroke in order to avoid conditions that may lead to stroke misdiagnosis.

What treatment is given to stroke victims?

Once a stroke is diagnosed, early treatment is very crucial. The treatment given to patients usually depends on three things:

• The type of stroke you have suffered
• Which part of the brain has been affected, and
• What has caused the stroke

In most stroke cases, medication is administered to prevent and remove blood clots, reduce your blood pressure and blood cholesterol. In severe cases where the brain may be swelling, surgery may be needed. Based on the types of stroke, the correct treatment is:

Ischaemic stroke – medications including;

• Injections of a medication called Alteplase
• Antiplatelets
• Antihypertensives
• Anticoagulants
• Statins
• On rare occasions surgery – known as Carotid endarterectomy.

Haemorrhagic Strokes

• Medication – ACE inhibitors 
• Surgery – known as craniotomy.

No win No Fee Stroke misdiagnosis compensation claims

A No Win No Fee option for medical misdiagnosis claims means that there is absolutely no cost to you throughout your claim. This takes away the risk of financial losses should the claim turn out unsuccessful.

Usually, you will be required to pay a success fee upon successful award of compensation for misdiagnosis. Our solicitors have represented several victims of stroke misdiagnosis on a No win No fee agreement and can do the same for you if you instruct us. 

How we can help

We have worked with many victims of stroke misdiagnosis to understand well enough the impact of the condition on victims and their families and the need to make a claim. From specialist equipment needed for day to day activities, to the care and support needs all of which have financial implications.

You should not be hesitant about bringing stroke misdiagnosis compensation claims; it is your legal right. We will help you to investigate what happened and put forward a solid case for your claim & represented many victims like you and have recorded success in most of our cases, securing maximum stroke misdiagnosis compensation for victims. Contact us now on 0800 644 4240.

Is a stroke a disability uk?

Yes, Stroke is a leading cause of disability in the UK and one of the leading causes of death in the UK. It is associated with a broader range of disabilities that can render a person incapacitated with long term disabilities.

What benefits can I claim after a stroke?

If you have suffered a stroke as a result of negligence, the benefits you can claim will depend on the nature and severity of your case.

The extent of injuries, how much suffering you’ve had to endure and the impact on the quality of your life are all put into consideration in awarding stroke misdiagnosis compensation. It goes without saying that severe, life-altering injuries will attract more compensation than injuries of less severe consequences. The cost of additional medical bills, care and support, rehabilitation and loss of earnings can also be covered.

Are there time limits for making stroke misdiagnosis compensation claims?

Yes. For most medical negligence claims, the general rule is that you have three years from the date of the negligent incident or the date when you noticed your injury to make a claim. Some of the exceptions to this 3 years rule include;

• Claiming on behalf of a child – Misdiagnosis claims made on behalf of a child can be brought at any time until the child turns 18. As soon as the child turns 18,  they can make their own claim and the three-year time limit for every medical case will then apply to them. 
• Lack of mental capacity – Usually, there is no time limit for people who lack the mental capacity to make claims.

Time is very critical in making stroke misdiagnosis claims. It is important that you get in touch with us as soon as possible. Alternatively, you can fill out our free claim assessment form and one of our solicitors will be on hand to assist you.

Can I claim stroke misdiagnosis compensation on behalf of a loved one?

Yes, if your loved one had suffered a stroke and died as a result of an obvious negligent act of a supposed medical professional, you may be able to make a claim on their behalf. Contact us with the details of the event and we will be there to assist you to get the justice you deserve.

Can you sue a hospital for stroke misdiagnosis?

Yes, suing a hospital for stroke misdiagnosis or any other form of misdiagnosis is possible. The first thing to understand is – there is a duty owed to you as a patient. Whether it’s a private hospital or the NHS stroke misdiagnosis compensation can be claimed. 

How long will it take to receive my stroke misdiagnosis compensation?

Time taken for a claim to be finalised is not set in stone. However, our stroke misdiagnosis solicitors do all they can to ensure a swift process with compensations being awarded at the earliest time possible.