Last Updated on: 22nd November 2023, 11:15 am
Gadsby Wicks, a specialised medical negligence firm serving Essex and East Anglia, successfully secured compensation for a client who suffered due to delayed treatment of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) and Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR).
Tony Mitty, an experienced solicitor and Partner at Gadsby Wicks, handled the case for the claimant, where unnecessary delays in diagnosis and GP negligence resulted in a poor and avoidable outcome.
The Case:
The claimant, Mrs F (name anonymised to protect privacy), consulted her GP with symptoms of a dull ache in her shoulder joints, hips, and upper legs, along with limited movement. Unfortunately, no meaningful action was taken at this point.
A month later, Mrs F returned with worsening symptoms, struggling to get in and out of bed and facing difficulty climbing stairs. She also experienced constant aching from her forehead to the top of her head, severe jaw pain while eating, and soreness in her left temple upon touch. Yet again, no significant action was taken.
Another month-and-a-half later, Mrs F’s vision in her left eye became blurred, leading her to seek help at her local A&E and subsequent admission. Tragically, she lost all vision in her left eye a few days later.
Mrs F was later diagnosed with Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) and Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR). Treatment included blood transfusions and high-dose steroid medication, which resulted in side effects like Cushing’s Disease.
The Claim:
Mrs F pursued the claim based on the assertion that her GP should have diagnosed and treated her for PMR during her initial consultation. Early treatment with low-dose steroids could have prevented the side effects she now experiences.
Additionally, during her second visit, the GP should have recognised signs and symptoms of GCA and initiated investigations and treatment to prevent the loss of vision in her left eye.
The Outcome:
Following Gadsby Wicks’ investigation into the case, legal proceedings were issued. Initially, the Defendants denied both breach of duty and causation. However, the claim was eventually settled out of court following the exchange of expert evidence.
The outcome provided fair compensation for the pain, suffering, and difficulties Mrs F endured, and brought her much-needed answers and closure.
Tony Mitty, the medical solicitor on Mrs F’s case, expressed his thoughts, “It is always unfortunate when a patient’s poor outcome could have been entirely prevented with earlier intervention from a healthcare professional, especially when there were multiple opportunities such as this case.”
He added, “Although we cannot turn back the clock on our client’s mistreatment, I am glad that we could help her secure a successful result in her claim. I am confident that the compensation awarded will provide Mrs F with invaluable support as she moves on from this incident, hopefully preventing others from facing the same result.”
Gadsby Wicks has seen an increase in delayed treatment claims in the previous 12 months. The firm remains dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for clients who suffered due to avoidable delays in their care.
