Medical Misdiagnosis Claims
Medical Misdiagnosis Claims
Have you or a loved one received a wrong, delayed, or missed diagnosis? Our experienced medical misdiagnosis solicitors in Belfast are here to help you claim the compensation you deserve.
- Proven experience settling misdiagnosis claims across Northern Ireland.
- Success record of high compensation payouts.
- Help for those who have lost loved ones due to medical misdiagnosis.
- Second opinion if your claim has been previously turned down by other firms.
- Free, no-obligation consultation.
Medical Misdiagnosis in Northern Ireland
Medical misdiagnosis can have devastating effects on your life, and unfortunately this type of clinical negligence is more common than many realise. In Northern Ireland, statistics show that misdiagnosis cases have steadily risen over the years, reflecting a significant concern within our healthcare system.
One of the most notable cases is that of Dr. Michael Watt, which brought to light the widespread impact of medical misdiagnosis. This case affected numerous patients and garnered extensive media coverage.
It’s also important to acknowledge that many misdiagnosis cases remain unreported – yet each hold the potential for substantial compensation.
What counts as medical misdiagnosis?
Medical misdiagnosis occurs when a healthcare professional incorrectly diagnoses a patient’s condition, leading to improper treatment, delayed treatment or no treatment at all. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, including inadequate examination, misinterpretation of test results or failure to consider all symptoms.
There are three main types of medical misdiagnosis:
Wrong Diagnosis
When a patient is diagnosed with a condition they do not have. For example, a person diagnosed with asthma might actually have a heart condition, leading to ineffective treatment and potential harm.
Delayed Diagnosis
When a correct diagnosis is made, but significantly later than it should have been. For instance, a patient with cancer might be diagnosed only after the disease has progressed, reducing the effectiveness of treatment options.
Missed Diagnosis
When a condition is completely overlooked and not diagnosed at all. An example would be a person with a fracture being sent home without any diagnosis, resulting in further injury and complications.
Common Cases of Medical Misdiagnosis
A variety of health conditions can be misdiagnosed, with some being more common due to the nature of their symptoms:
- Diabetes – Can be misdiagnosed as stress or anxiety due to symptoms like fatigue and weight loss.
- Cancer – Often misdiagnosed as benign conditions like infections or cysts, delaying crucial treatment.
- Meningitis – May be mistaken for the flu because of similar initial symptoms like fever and headache.
- Ectopic Pregnancy – Can be misdiagnosed as a normal pregnancy or gastrointestinal issues, risking the mother’s life.
- Sepsis – Sometimes misdiagnosed as a mild infection, leading to rapid and severe deterioration.
- Depression – Depression can be misdiagnosed as chronic fatigue syndrome or even thyroid disorders, leading to inadequate mental health support.
Misdiagnosing any of these serious conditions can be life-threatening, as it often leads to delayed or inappropriate treatment, increasing the risk of severe complications or fatality.
Medical Misdiagnosis Claim Eligibility
In Northern Ireland, anyone who has suffered harm due to a medical misdiagnosis may be eligible to make a claim. This includes proving that a healthcare professional owed you a duty of care, that this duty was breached through negligence, and that the breach directly caused your injury or worsening condition.
Medical Misdiagnosis Claim Process
At our solicitor firm, we aim to make the medical misdiagnosis claim process simple, straightforward and as stress-free as possible for those affected. Our team provides support at every step to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
Step 1. Contact Reid Black
Begin by contacting us for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our experienced solicitors will listen to your case and provide initial advice.
Step 2. Gathering Information
We will help you collect all necessary medical records, witness statements and other relevant documents to build a strong case.
Step 3. Medical Assessment
An independent medical expert will assess your condition to confirm the misdiagnosis and its impact on your health.
Step 4. Compensation Negotiation
Our solicitors will negotiate with the responsible parties on your behalf to secure a fair compensation settlement.
Step 5. Compensation Payout
Once a settlement is reached, we ensure you receive your compensation promptly and efficiently.
Medical Misdiagnosis Claim Time Limits
In Northern Ireland, the time limit for making a medical misdiagnosis claim is generally three years from the date of the misdiagnosis or from when you first became aware of it.
Exceptions to this time limit include cases involving children, where the three-year period begins on their 18th birthday, and instances where the claimant lacked the mental capacity to make a claim within the standard period.
We often take on cases that other solicitors might refuse due to misconceptions about time limits. Contact us as soon as possible to determine if your case falls within the standard time limit or qualifies under extenuating circumstances.
Medical Misdiagnosis Compensation
Claiming compensation for medical misdiagnosis can help cover the financial burdens of additional treatment, lost income, and other related expenses, while also holding the responsible parties accountable.
In Northern Ireland, medical misdiagnosis compensation is calculated based on two main types of damages: general damages and special damages.
- General damages cover non-monetary losses such as pain, suffering and loss of quality of life.
- Special damages compensate for monetary losses, including medical expenses, travel costs and loss of earnings.
Compensation amounts will be different for different types of misdiagnosis claims, and will be based on the severity of the type of misdiagnosis. For an accurate estimate of what your medical misdiagnosis claim could be worth, contact us today for free.
Why Choose Reid Black?
Choosing us as your solicitor for your medical misdiagnosis claim ensures you benefit from our extensive experience and successful track record. We’ve represented clients in severe cases, such as a below-the-knee amputation due to delayed infection treatment and a six-figure compensation for misdiagnosed foot fractures. In a tragic case, we secured compensation for a client’s young daughter who died from a misdiagnosed viral infection.
Our expertise and dedication set us apart as a top solicitor firm in Belfast and Northern Ireland.
Our Specialist Medical Misdiagnosis Claim Solicitor
Our Specialist Medical Misdiagnosis Claim Solicitor
20 YEARS EXPERIENCE
- Libby Smyth of Reid Black Solicitors has brought successful claims against Antrim Hospital, Causeway Hospital, Altnagelvin and all major Belfast Hospitals.
- Libby has more than 20 years experience in medical negligence cases and is supported by Reid Blacks firm of litigation solicitors.
- Request a callback to get professional no obligation advice at no cost to you.
- There are a number of various cost arrangements which can be put in place and if you are under 18 years of age then you are likely to be entitled to Legal Aid for a medical negligence claim as it is the child’s income, which is taken into account as opposed to a parents’ income.
Frequently Asked Questions
Start your medical misdiagnosis claim
We understand how overwhelming and distressing a medical misdiagnosis can be – contact our team today for compassionate legal advice and support, and let us help you get the compensation you deserve.
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