Health authority told to apologise over wrong diagnosis of whiplash neck injury

The misdiagnosis of whiplash neck injury instead of the correct diagnosis of a broken neck would appear inconceivable, but a 2008 report into just such a case branded the incident merely "inadequate" and "below standard".

The incident occurred in Scotland after young man was involved in a road traffic accident. Despite two visits to an A & E unit following pain-induced fainting episodes, and being examined twice by a senior house officer, no X-ray was ordered. The patient was told to take pain killers and go home.

The unnamed man's family were left appalled at the length of time it took for the man to be seen in hospital, and further concerned by the speediness of examinations which took only minutes to complete.

It took two months of suffering severe neck pain before the patient finally obtained a referral to investigate the so-called whiplash neck injury further. An osteopath who had taken on the treatment of the sports student was concerned over the injury and wrote a letter his GP. An X-ray was requested and finally the total extent of the damage to his neck was disclosed.

The student underwent risk laden surgery to insert metal pins, bolts and a bone graft, taken from his hip, into his neck.

This potentially catastrophic misdiagnosis was investigated by the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman, who upheld the man's complaint over his treatment and requested an apology from the Forth Valley Health Board.

The ombudsman found that due to the severity of the patient's symptoms an investigative X-ray should have been ordered. A medical adviser, reporting to the ombudsman, concluded that the attending medic's questioning was inadequate and that interpretation of triage notes had been confused so as to dilute the severity of the accident.

It was recommended that the health board apologise to the patient and disclose the report to the medic who should then "reflect on her actions". The junior doctor no longer works at the hospital concerned.

It was also suggested that the report be used as a learning tool for junior staff.

Whiplash neck injury compensation claims
A misdiagnosis such as the above case appears heinous, but even straightforward whiplash neck injury can be difficult to treat leading to a painful period of rehabilitation. If you have sustained such injury in an accident that was not your fault, you may be able to claim compensation with YouClaim.

We will provide you with an experienced and specialised personal injury solicitor who will work on a no win, no fee basis throughout your case. All our professionals work to strict and exacting standards laid down by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Our success rate is high and you are guaranteed to receive 100% compensation in the event of a successful claim.

Call our free helpline on 0800 10 757 95 or have an e-chat. If it's not convenient right now we can call you back, or you could give us a few details about your whiplash neck injury by filling in our online claim form and we will call you to discuss it further. However you contact YouClaim you can be assured we will give you the best service available.