Clinical Negligence Compensation – Case Study
What Happened
Louise Smith, Clinical Negligence Solicitor at Waldrons Solicitors, successfully secured £31,500 in compensation for IM, a woman whose ectopic pregnancy was not diagnosed or treated in a timely manner, resulting in the rupture of her fallopian tube and the need for emergency surgery.
IM began experiencing spotting and lower left-sided abdominal pain on 5th December 2022, just five days after learning she was 4 to 6 weeks pregnant. She saw her GP two days later, but her concerns were dismissed and no referral for a scan was made.
Still concerned, IM arranged a second GP appointment, where she was finally referred to the Early Pregnancy Unit at Bedford Hospital for a scan scheduled for 20th December.
However, on 13th December, IM’s symptoms worsened. She attended A&E at Bedford Hospital South Wing. In the early hours of 14th December, IM was examined and reassured that everything appeared normal. A blood test was taken but no scan was arranged.
On 16th December, IM underwent a second blood test which revealed her HCG levels had risen to 17,000, a potential indicator of ectopic pregnancy. Despite this, she was told HCG alone is not reliable and was advised to continue waiting for her scheduled scan.
By 18th December, IM’s condition had significantly deteriorated. She collapsed and required an emergency ambulance. At Addenbrooke’s Hospital, an ultrasound confirmed an ectopic pregnancy and emergency surgery was performed to remove her left fallopian tube.
IM could have avoided emergency surgery had the ectopic pregnancy been diagnosed earlier.
How Waldrons Solicitors Secured Compensation
IM instructed Waldrons Solicitors to investigate her case. A gynaecological expert was instructed, who produced a supportive report concluding that earlier intervention could have prevented the rupture and subsequent emergency surgery.
Waldrons issued a Letter of Claim to Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which led to an admission of liability. The Trust accepted that an ultrasound scan should have been performed within 24 hours of IM’s A&E attendance on 13th December. Had this occurred, the ectopic pregnancy would have been diagnosed, and the rupture likely avoided.
Following negotiations, a settlement of £31,500 was agreed.
The Importance of Timely Diagnosis in Early Pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancies are medical emergencies and delays in diagnosis or treatment can lead to severe physical and emotional consequences. This case highlights how early action and appropriate scanning are vital in preventing avoidable harm.
If you or someone you know has experienced a delay in medical care during early pregnancy, our team at Waldrons Solicitors can help. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to assess your case with expert and compassionate legal guidance.
About Louise Smith
Click here to learn more about Louise Smith, a specialist in Clinical Negligence at Waldrons Solicitors. Louise is known for her sensitive and detailed approach to helping clients who have suffered avoidable harm due to delays in diagnosis and treatment.
