Endocarditis Claims

Endocarditis occurs when an infection gets into the bloodstream. This can be as a result of a medical or dental procedure but it may simply be from a cut or from damage to the gum when cleaning your teeth. Symptoms of endocarditis often include fever, night sweats, headache and muscle aches. Given the general nature of these symptoms, endocarditis can be difficult to diagnose and can be missed. Antibiotics are needed to treat the infection and surgery may be needed to repair or replace any damaged valves.

A delay in diagnosis and treatment can be fatal. The longer the infection is present and developing the more damage that may be done to the heart and the more likely further complications are to develop such as heart failure or stroke. Prompt diagnosis is therefore key.

Where there have been delays in diagnosing endocarditis or failures in the treatment of the condition, there may be a claim for medical negligence. Such claims may be against GPs for a failure to make a referral where endocarditis should have been suspected or against hospital doctors.

If you or a family member has suffered as a result of medical failings related to endocarditis, please contact us to discuss how we can help.