Significant settlement following the loss of eyesight due to a delay in diagnosis and treatment

Thanks to the expertise and experience of our Clinical Negligence team, our client received a significant settlement following the loss of eyesight due to a delay in diagnosis and treatment.

The Case

Our client visited an NHS hospital after suffering severe left-sided temporal headaches and undergoing blood tests which revealed inflammatory markers.

An ultrasound scan of the left temporal artery highlighted no abnormalities and the specialist concluded that the probability of her having temporal arteritis was very low. Her condition was therefore not monitored closely and she was given a very low dose of Prednisolone steroids.

Shortly afterwards our client noticed distorted vision which led to the sudden loss of complete vision in the left eye. She was subsequently diagnosed with cilloretinal artery occlusion secondary to GCA/Temporal Arteritis.

The claim was particularly challenging because the client had a complex medical history, which included posterior vitreous detachment in both eyes, mild epiretinal membrane in the right eye and chronic myeloid leukemia.

However, the key allegations were clear. These centred on breach of duty and causation, in particular the failure to commence high dose steroids and perform a temporal artery biopsy. This would have confirmed the diagnosis and allowed for adequate and timely treatment which would have prevented the client’s loss of eyesight.

The Outcome

Our team secured a life-changing six figure settlement sum for our client. It has enabled her to adapt her property, pay for the necessary care and equipment she needs, so that she can continue to live at home with her family

If you have any questions or concerns about the topics raised in this case study please contact a member of the Medical Negligence and Personal Injury team at claims@kingsleynapley.co.uk or call us on 020 7814 1200.