Parkinson's Awareness Week – Clinical Negligence Claims in Focus

April 7th to April 13th marks Parkinson's Awareness Week, a time dedicated to raising awareness about Parkinson's disease (PD), a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and can lead to significant challenges for those diagnosed and their families.

At Freeths, we are committed to supporting individuals affected by Parkinson's through our expertise in medical negligence claims and advocacy for better care and support.

Current News and Developments

Recent advancements in Parkinson's research have brought hope to the community. Scientists have made significant progress in understanding the structure of the PINK1 protein, which is linked to early-onset Parkinson's disease. This breakthrough could accelerate the development of new treatments aimed at slowing or stopping the progression of the disease

Understanding Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is characterised by the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, leading to symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, slowness of movement (bradykinesia), and balance problems. Non-movement symptoms can include anxiety, depression, fatigue, loss of smell, and sleep disorders. Each person's experience with Parkinson's is unique, and managing the condition often requires a combination of medications, therapies, and support systems.

Clinical Negligence Claims

Clinical negligence cases related to Parkinson's disease are relatively niche but not unheard of. There have been instances where patients have pursued claims due to misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, or inadequate treatment. For example, there have been cases where Parkinson's disease was misdiagnosed for several years, leading to significant suffering and deterioration in the patient's condition. Another case involved complications from deep brain stimulation surgery, which was not performed correctly.

The ongoing research into Parkinson's disease can make clinical negligence claims more complex. Since the disease is still being heavily studied, there may be uncertainties and evolving standards in diagnosis and treatment. This can sometimes make it challenging to establish clear-cut cases of negligence. However, this should not deter individuals from pursuing claims if they believe they have received substandard care. Misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, and improper treatment can have severe consequences, and patients have the right to seek compensation for the harm caused.