Gadsby Wicks, a reputable medical negligence firm serving Essex and East Anglia, achieved a successful outcome for a client who endured the consequences of delayed treatment of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) and Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR).
Tony Mitty, an experienced solicitor and Partner at Gadsby Wicks, represented the claimant in this case, where avoidable delays in diagnosis and GP negligence resulted in an unfortunate and preventable outcome.
The Case
The claimant, Mrs F (anonymised to protect her privacy), initially consulted her GP with complaints of dull shoulder joint and hip pain, along with limited mobility in both upper legs. Regrettably, no significant action was taken at this stage.
A month later, Mrs F returned with worsening symptoms, finding it difficult to perform daily tasks such as getting in and out of bed and climbing stairs. She also experienced continuous pain from her forehead to the top of her head, severe jaw pain while eating, and soreness in her left temple when touched. Despite her deteriorating condition, meaningful action was again not taken.
After another month-and-a-half, Mrs F’s left eye vision became blurred, prompting her to seek help at her local A&E, where she was subsequently admitted. Tragically, she lost all vision in her left eye a few days later.
Eventually, Mrs F was diagnosed with GCA and PMR, and she underwent blood transfusions and high-dose steroid treatment, which led to side effects, including Cushing’s Disease.
The Claim
Mrs F pursued the claim on the grounds that her GP should have diagnosed and treated her for PMR during her initial consultation. This early intervention with low-dose steroids could have prevented the side effects she now suffers from.
Additionally, during her second visit, her GP should have recognised symptoms compatible with GCA and initiated investigations and treatment that could have prevented the loss of vision in her left eye.
The Outcome
Following an extensive investigation by Gadsby Wicks into Mrs F’s case, legal proceedings were initiated. Initially, the defendants denied both breach of duty and causation. However, after the exchange of expert evidence, the claim was eventually settled out of court.
The settlement resulted in fair compensation for the pain, suffering, and challenges Mrs F endured, as well as providing her with the closure and answers she sought.
“It is always unfortunate when a patient’s suffering could have been entirely prevented with timely intervention from a healthcare professional, especially in cases like this with multiple missed opportunities,” says Tony Mitty, the medical solicitor representing Mrs F.
“While we cannot change the past, I am pleased that we could help Mrs F secure a successful outcome in her claim. I am confident that the awarded compensation will provide her with invaluable support as she moves forward, and I hope this case will raise awareness and prevent others from facing similar outcomes.”
Gadsby Wicks has noticed an increase in delayed treatment claims in the past year and remains dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes for clients who have experienced avoidable delays in their medical care.
