Failure to diagnose apendicitis - £35k compensation
A 27 year old man received £35k in compensation after a hospital failed to diagnose that he was suffering from appendicitis. As a result, his appendix ruptured and he experienced unnecessary pain and suffering along with a prolonged recovery period.
On 24 December 2008 he attended hospital suffering with abdominal pains, diahorrea and vomiting. He was diagnosed as having viral gastroenteritis and was discharged the following morning. However, he continued to suffer from severe and increasing abdominal pain. On 26 December he was re-admitted to the same hospital, this time by ambulance. Whilst being assessed he explained that the abdominal pain had become more severe, especially on urination. Despite no diagnosis being made, he was discharged later that day.
On 27 December he attended another hospital who queried whether he was suffering from appendicitis or a ruptured appendix. Following an urgent surgical review he underwent an emergency laparoscopic appendectomy for the removal of his appendix, which had ruptured.
Due to the delay in diagnosis, an abdominal abscess had also formed. Following the operation he suffered an extended recovery period complicated by adhesions and a further admission to hospital for treatment of a pelvic abscess. Medical evidence obtained for the purpose of the claim also showed that there was a risk he might develop adhesions and suffer bowel obstructions in the future.
He brought a claim against the first hospital Trust, alleging it was negligent not to have diagnosed appendicitis and treat him accordingly. The case settled out of Court and he was awarded £35k in compensation.
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