Dionne Darragh, Director in our Litigation department recovered £100,000 from a Health Trust for a young woman in respect of a delayed diagnosis of a hematologic condition.
Our client received a diagnosis of anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS), also known as ‘sticky blood syndrome’ in 2019. This is an autoimmune disease, which affects the body’s ability to clot.
Our client unfortunately had suffered a miscarriage around 5 years prior to the diagnosis and a post-mortem investigation at the time had indicated that this was as a result of an infection. Blood testing was carried out and our client tested positive for APS, however this finding was overlooked and our client was never made aware of the positive test result.
Between this period and our client’s diagnosis in 2019, she suffered from multiple miscarriages, seizures, irreversible kidney damage, all of which are recognised side effects of APS. The delay in diagnosis inevitably led to emotional distress and anxiety.
Throughout our investigations, extensive expert medical evidence was obtained from independent consultants. This evidence determined that an early diagnosis could have increased the possibility of a successful pregnancy or at least managed the expectations of our client. These investigations also established that our client had suffered from extended psychological distress due to the delay in diagnosis.
High Court proceedings were issued and following lengthy negotiations a settlement of £100,000 plus legal costs was reached.
Client testimonial: ‘The advice and care we received through one of the hardest times of our lives was excellent. Dionne was so supportive and caring the whole way through”
