Case study: We have recovered £250,000 compensation for delay in the diagnosis and treatment of a brain tumour.
Clarissa Ellerington, a Senior Associate Solicitor in our Clinical Negligence team, has secured a compensation settlement of £250,000 for a client following negligent delay in the diagnosis and treatment of a brain tumour.
Clarissa handled the claim and supported the client throughout what was an extremely difficult and distressing process. She guided the client through the legal process, providing clear advice, reassurance, and support at each stage.
Background to the clinical negligence claim
Our client sought medical advice after developing persistent, one-sided tinnitus. An MRI scan was arranged, but it was reported as normal. She was reassured that no significant abnormality had been identified.
However, expert evidence later confirmed that a skull-base meningioma was visible on the original scan and should have been identified at that stage.
Over the following years, the tumour continued to grow. By the time it was diagnosed, it had become significantly larger and was affecting important structures around the eye, optic nerve and brain. Our client required major neurosurgery, but complete removal of the tumour was not possible. Following surgery, our client was left with permanent visual impairment, including loss of function in one eye and significant restriction of the remaining visual field.
The compensation claim for delay in the diagnosis and treatment of the brain tumour
The case required detailed investigation across a number of medical specialisms, including :
- neuroradiology,
- neurosurgery,
- oncology,
- ophthalmology, and
- psychiatry.
Clarissa’s experience in managing complex delayed diagnosis claims was central to presenting the case clearly and robustly. The expert evidence supported the position that, had the tumour been correctly reported and investigated earlier, our client’s treatment options would probably have been broader, the tumour would have been smaller, and the serious visual complications would likely have been avoided, or substantially reduced.
Clarissa’s handling of the claim demonstrates the importance of careful radiology reporting, timely investigation of neurological and visual symptoms, and early specialist legal advice where there may have been a missed or delayed diagnosis.
Settlement of the clinical negligence claim
Although the NHS Health Trust commenced its own investigations, its response was delayed, which added to our client’s stress and frustration. The Trust ultimately accepted that the tumour should have been identified on the earlier scan. Following negotiations, Clarissa secured a compensation package of £250,000 for her client.
How we can help with your clinical negligence claim
This case study highlights the importance of seeking specialist legal advice from a clinical negligence solicitor where medical concerns have been missed or diagnosis has been delayed.
Our Clinical Negligence team has extensive experience in investigating delayed diagnosis claims and helping clients obtain answers and appropriate compensation.
Slee Blackwell is a nationally recognised, SRA regulated firm of solicitors specialising in medical negligence claims, including claims for delayed diagnosis. We are recommended by both Chambers and The Legal 500 directories.
Contact our clinical negligence helpline for a free consultation and details of No Win, No Fee funding.
