NHS Dementia Misdiagnosis
Investigations into the misdiagnosis of Dementia
Staffordshire Trust Misdiagnosis of Dementia Claims
Our clinical negligence team have been approached by and are acting for a number of clients who have received a diagnosis of dementia which has subsequently been retracted. These patients sought treatment in the Staffordshire area with their care falling under both Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust.
In some cases, the patient in fact was suffering from mild depression and instead they were diagnosed with dementia without appropriate investigations taking place. There was then a delay in the diagnosis being retracted as they were not appropriately reassessed.
There can be devastating consequences on patients and families where a relative has been misdiagnosed with dementia. Such patients may make life changing decisions based on an incorrect diagnosis.
Dementia is a degenerative disease which can involve progressive and profound memory loss together with behavioural symptoms and confusion. Memory loss can be a symptom of depression or as a result of stress and anxiety. Further, some loss of memory in later years is also common and not necessarily a sign that an elderly person has dementia.
To speak to one of our team, with no obligation to proceed, call us on 0330 100 1014 or fill out our online form.
What is misdiagnosis of dementia?
What are the consequences of misdiagnosing dementia?
Why choose our dementia specialist team to help with your claim?
Our recent work
Dementia misdiagnosis FAQs
Client testimonial
Submit an enquiry below: Claims Against the Misdiagnosis of Dementia
What is misdiagnosis of dementia?
Making a diagnosis of dementia can be very difficult as the condition shares a wide range of symptoms with other conditions. Memory problems that get worse over time together with speech problems, poor concentration and issues recognising other people or places. Depression, thyroid problems, medication side effects, infection or vitamin deficiencies can also be responsible for these symptoms.
Whilst doctors should rule out other causes of dementia type symptoms, when these present in an older patient this can lead to assumptions being made. Cognitive testing and brain scans will then likely be conducted although the interpretation of the results of such testing may be misinterpreted leading to an incorrect diagnosis.
What are the consequences of misdiagnosing dementia?
Every patient’s journey following a diagnosis for dementia is different.
They may choose to retire from work, sell a family home, make expensive lifestyle changes to enable them to enjoy their lives whilst they are cognitively well to do so. Should it become known that a misdiagnosis has been made they will have significantly impacted their financial position for the future.
A diagnosis of dementia and subsequently reversal of diagnosis may negatively impact the mental wellbeing of the patient leading to a need for psychiatric support in the future.
Why choose our dementia specialist team to help with your claim?
- Our clinical negligence team is renowned for its expert knowledge and are recognised and ranked by The Legal 500 (an independent leading legal directory). We will guide you through the process and will be with you every step of the way.
- You can trust our lawyers to be sensitive, empathetic and considerate.
- Our experienced lawyers have dealt successfully with misdiagnosis claims.
- We have a very successful track record of claiming compensation for medical negligence cases.
- We offer free initial telephone advice, a free first interview and we can advise on funding.
Our specialists have extensive experience in dealing with clinical negligence claims arising from misdiagnosis. Talk to one of our experienced clinical negligence solicitors today to see how we can help you.
Call us on 0330 100 1014 or fill out our online form.
“I would just like to say a huge thank you for all you have done for me. You never gave up on me when times got hard. You have supported me through some of my very dark times. Thank you”
Client testimonial
Our recent work
We represented a client who was diagnosed with early-onset dementia subsequent to an episode of memory loss. The client was advised that their condition was progressive and they would deteriorate.
Following diagnosis their anxiety and mental health worsened. Over the following months the client made a number of changes to their work and home life including giving up employment, selling their house and made further decisions with regard to their capital. The client’s cognitive ability did not deteriorate any further and nearly 3 years later the diagnosis was withdrawn.
Admissions were made by the Defendant that the original diagnosis was incorrect and a substantial settlement was achieved.
Misdiagnosis of Dementia Claims FAQs
The treatment offered by a doctor should be individual to each patient. If you are concerned that you were not given sufficient information surrounding your diagnosis and the diagnosis was subsequently reversed, you may be able to claim. Please contact us.
Please contact us and we will be able to consider your circumstances in more detail.
As an average guideline, standard cases can take between 18 – 24 months to be settled, but this is by no means a definitive timeline. Every case is unique.
We offer FREE initial advice, to establish whether you may have a claim.
There are a range of ways in which you can fund your misdiagnosis of dementia claims but most cases are taken on a conditional fee, ‘no win no fee’ basis. This means that you will only pay for our services if your claim is successful. There will be nothing to pay if, for any reason, you don’t win your claim.
A member of our team will talk you through the funding details during your first call.
Any compensation awarded for a negligent dementia diagnosis will depend on various factors such as a psychiatric injury suffered, the severity, the impact that it has had on your life and any financial consequences. As all cases as different, we are unable to say exactly how much you could receive before talking to you.
Compensation for medical negligence cases is divided between general damages and special damages. General damages consist of a fixed sum, related to your suffering, whereas special damages encompass other aspects such as lifestyle and finances. Medical Negligence lawyers will use Judicial College guidelines to calculate an average amount that could be awarded as a settlement figure for general damages. Part of a settlement sum also involves covering the costs of any private treatment, such as counselling, that may be needed.
Meet the team
Karen Reynolds
Partner & Head of Clinical Negligence for Derby, West Midlands & North West
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