THE TYPE OF CASE WE DO

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DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS; DELAY IN DIAGNOSIS; POST PHLEBETIC LIMB

D V SALFORD ROYAL HOSPITALS NHS TRUST (2004)

£16,500 following delay in diagnosis and treatment of lower limb DVT.

Aged 34 D developed a swollen and painful upper leg following surgery unrelated to her leg.

The treating doctors considered and dismissed a possible diagnosis of DVT however noted D should be reviewed the following day.

No review took place the following day.

D's leg became more swollen hot and painful. The swelling extended into the groin. DVT was diagnosed three days after surgery and anti-coagulation treatment commenced.

D suffered from a post phlebetic limb with long term swelling, pain in the calf on walking, limited walking distance, and inability to stand for long periods.

BREACH OF DUTY

It was D's case that her DVT should have been diagnosed earlier.

CAUSATION

It was D's case that earlier diagnosis and treatment would have improved the outcome such that she would have made a full recovery.

OUTCOME

The hospital accepted a negligent delay in diagnosis and treatment however argued that the outcome would have been similar in any event.

The case was settled without trial for £16,500.