Stroke Misdiagnosis Claims

What is a stroke?

A stroke occurs when there is insufficient blood supply to part of the brain, caused by a blocked artery or leaking or burst blood vessels. Lack of oxygen can cause brain cells to die which, if not treated quickly, can cause brain damage, paralysis and even death.

It is vital that healthcare workers notice the signs of a stroke and act accordingly. If treated quickly, severe damage can often be avoided. However, when mistakes are made – primarily misdiagnosis and delayed treatment – the outcome can be devastating.

How to identify when someone is having a stroke

Even though a stroke is hard to predict, there are multiple ways to identify when someone is having a stroke. The most recommended technique to recognise the symptoms is the ‘FAST test’.

• F – face. Sudden weakness or numbness in the face making it hard to smile.
• A – arm. The person has a very hard time or is unable to move one or both of their arms.
• S – speech. Person has difficulty with speaking or understanding speech.
• T – time. Call 911 or 999 immediately if someone has any of these symptoms.

What is a stroke misdiagnosis and how does it happen?

A stroke misdiagnosis is when the signs of a stroke are not recognised, are not interpreted correctly or the medical professional caring for you fails to notice signs of an impending stroke.

For example, doctors may overlook patients who are on medication that can potentially increase the risk of a stroke. Similarly, if you went to your GP or to hospital having suffered a mini stroke (TIA) that was misdiagnosed, later leading to a more serious stroke, you could have the right to claim compensation.

You can find out more about making a medical negligence claim here.

Can I get compensation for a stroke misdiagnosis?

Yes, if you or a family member have been affected by a misdiagnosed stroke, our team of expert medical negligence solicitors can help you pursue a claim for compensation.

How do I start a stroke misdiagnosis claim?

If you would like to pursue a stroke misdiagnosis claim, please contact our team. We are one of the UK's leading medical negligence law firms. We will advise and support you throughout the claims process, ensuring you receive the best possible outcome.

How much will it cost me to make a claim?

We work on a no win, no fee basis.

If you’re suffering from the impact of stroke misdiagnosis, you can seek legal advice as soon as possible. You generally have three years to make such a claim.

How much compensation can I claim for stroke misdiagnosis?

Each claim is different and the amount of compensation you can claim for misdiagnosed stroke depends on:

• the extent of any injury or illness suffered due to the negligent medical treatment
• expenses incurred
• future needs

It is generally difficult to value a claim at the outset. As the claim proceeds, we create a picture of your injury and how your life has been affected and the cost of your losses.

Contact us

Our medical negligence team are specialists in legal claims where a condition or illness has been misdiagnosed. We have many years of experience pursuing these types of claims, and we have the knowledge and expertise to ensure you receive the best compensation possible.

For a free, no obligation call with one of our medical negligence experts, please dial 0800 358 3848, email personalinjury@fieldfisher.com, or complete our online enquiry form.