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In 2010 it was announced that the Medical Defence Union (MDU) would offer new guidance to British doctors on how to spot meningitis in order to protect patient safety and prevent the NHS facing costly GP medical negligence cases.
Meningitis is a very serious illness and can result in death in as few as four hours. Indeed, over the first decade of the 21st century there was evidence to suggest that there had been an increase in meningitis-related diagnostic failures.
Such GP medical negligence cases are, as well as being a tragedy, a huge burden on the coffers of the National Health Service.
According to the MDU, GP surgeries have settled 34 claims involving diagnostic failures relating to meningitis or meningococcal septicaemia. Overall these cases have cost the NHS nearly £20 million in compensation and no win, no fee solicitor fees, with the largest settlement being £6.8 million for a severely brain injured girl.
Dr Karen Roberts, an MDU medico-legal adviser comments, "Meningitis causes great concern for the public who read about or experience first-hand this devastating illness and for the doctors who diagnose and treat it.
"It is every GP's worst nightmare that they may miss or delay a diagnosis, not least because they are aware of the potentially serious consequences for the patient."
A spokesperson from YouClaim's clinical negligence lawyer panel comments, "Of course, diagnosing meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia can be challenging for GPs, particularly as in the early onset the patient may present with symptoms that can appear ambiguous.
"However, there are tell tale signs and, as is the case with the vast majority of patients, doctors should, if in any doubt, err on the side of caution; these illnesses can be swift killers.
"In the event that doctors fail to diagnose the infection, anyone affected may be entitled to receive 100% compensation, which may easily run into a seven-figure sum."
Claim compensation for GP medical negligence
In a GP medical negligence claim, the burden of proof will be whether the patient has received a level of care that would be expected of a reasonably competent doctor.
General practice negligence compensation claims can encompass a broad spectrum of illness and injury types. Here at YouClaim we ensure that our clients are represented by a solicitor who specialises in the area of law that is relevant to their claim.
We possess a strong reputation for legal excellence and an outstanding success rate; we win the vast majority of our cases.
Furthermore, we never take a cut; winning claimants are assured 100% compensation.
If you would like to speak in confidence to a legal advisor, simply call us, on 0800 10 757 95.
Alternatively, echat or complete an online claim form.
