Professional legal advice in the event of a misdiagnosed stroke
A misdiagnosed stroke can have fatal implications. If you or a loved one have been affected by such an issue, you may be entitled to compensation if the incident could have been avoided. Contact us to discuss the details of the misdiagnosis and we can help you determine whether or not you have a valid claim.
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How do strokes occur?
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is cut off somehow, meaning that it cannot function effectively as oxygen and nutrients cannot reach the brain. As brain cells begin to die it can cause long-lasting effects and in the worst cases can even be fatal. Strokes must be diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible to prevent any further problems.
The two main kinds of strokes are ischaemic and haemorrhagic. An ischaemic stroke is the most common cause of a stroke, which is when there is a blockage cutting off blood to the brain. A haemmorrhagic stroke is when bleeding occurs around the brain.
Once a stroke has been identified, there is usually a CT scan organised to determine what the cause of the stroke is by taking x-rays of the brain. This can show if there is a clot for example and allow the professionals to conclude what treatment is needed.
How can a stroke be misdiagnosed?
You may have a claim against a medical professional if they failed to diagnose you correctly and promptly. For example:
- They diagnosed the stroke as another condition and failed to identify the signs
- They did not act quickly enough with adequate treatment
- You were on medication or receiving treatment for a different condition and they didn't recognise the symptoms or anticipate the stroke
If you are unsure whether your experience amounts to medical negligence, contact us to speak to a legal professional. We can help you by going through the facts to help establish whether or not a misdiagnosis occurred, which made the effects of the stroke worse than they might otherwise have been.
How can a settlement help me?
A successful claim can provide necessary help following a stroke misdiagnosis. It can help to pay for any ongoing costs you incur or further treatment that you may need to help your recovery. A settlement can also fund any rehabilitation or home adjustments that may be required.
When can I make a Stroke Misdiagnosis claim?
In most cases, stroke misdiagnosis claims need to be made within three years from when you either suffered negligent care, or three years from when you first officially discovered your injury. However, this time restriction can vary depending on the circumstances of your case. For example, someone who lacks mental capacity and cannot make a claim on their own may also be exempt from the restriction.
Our Medical Negligence Specialists
How are Stroke Misdiagnosis claims funded?
There are various options for funding claims. Many of our cases are funded using Conditional Fee Agreements, (also called a ‘No Win No Fee’ agreement). In a Conditional Fee Agreement, you will only pay for our solicitors’ work if we win the case for you. In very limited cases we can offer advice for free thanks to Legal Aid funding. Our solicitors can review and discuss your funding options and help you decide the best route to take.
How can Switalskis help me?
We believe that it is important to understand what went wrong and why you were subject to a stroke misdiagnosis. At Switalskis we will provide you with the advice and guidance you need along the way, to give you peace of mind and just compensation. A stroke is a potentially fatal event and it is critical that you are seen to and treated quickly and efficiently to ensure that you have the best chance of recovery.
Our team includes solicitors who are accredited as specialists by both The Law Society and the patients’ charity, Action against Medical Accidents (AvMA). We are also recognised as being among the top Clinical Negligence teams in England by the Legal 500 UK, the foremost legal guide for clients.
Call us on 0800 138 0458 or contact us through the website to talk to a medical negligence solicitor about your circumstances.