We recently acted for a client who suffered from lower abdominal pain and underwent an MRI which diagnosed pelvic congestion syndrome. She was referred by her gastroenterology doctor to a gynaecology doctor when a tender mass was felt in her abdomen.
The gynaecology doctor correctly arranged for an ultrasound to be undertaken which was done, but the ultrasound scan only covered the pelvis and didn’t include the abdomen where the tender mass was located.
The failure to ultrasound scan her abdomen was not picked up on by anybody and our client continued treatment for pelvic congestion syndrome.
A month later, a tennis ball size lump could be felt in our client’s abdomen and urgent radiology and a biopsy was undertaken and leiomyosarcoma (aggressive cancer) was diagnosed. Our client underwent surgery to remove as much of the tumour as possible which helped with her pain but sadly, the cancer had spread to her lung and liver.
Liability Admitted
The Defendant admitted that it was a breach of duty of care to fail to undertake an abdominal ultrasound scan, to fail to recognise that the scan had not been undertaken and to fail to conduct follow-up examinations.
It was admitted that if these had been undertaken, her cancer would have been diagnosed sooner.
Not Everything is Agreed
Although some admissions were made, the Defendant disagreed with our position that death would have been avoidable with earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Expert Opinion
The case was complicated, and expert evidence was needed from a consultant expert radiologist, consultant oncologist, consultant gastroenterologist, consultant gynaecologist, pension expert and occupational therapist.
Aim of the Claim
Our client’s surviving husband had a good source of income and the claim was not made for financial gain. He wanted to ensure that other patients are not left undiagnosed and untreated as was the case with his late wife’s care. Whilst no amount of money could compensate for the loss of their mother, the settlement would benefit their children. The claim was settled for £160,000.
We Can Help:
If your loved one has experienced similar treatment delays, contact our clinical negligence team to discuss your case. We are here to help you seek justice and ensure accountability and patient care. Call us on 01244 354 688 or complete our contact form and we will get in touch with you.
