Blog
Accountancy regulators confront AI cheating in exams
Zoe Beels
10 May 2023
Feeding and Breathing Tubes – The Need for Vigilance
When someone is unwell in hospital they may need to have a tube inserted to help them breathe or to enable them to take in fluids, food or medication. If these tubes are not inserted correctly, or are misplaced or dislodge, then the result can be devastating. In these circumstances, claims can often be made for compensation.
5 May 2023
Financing early treatment for accident survivors with neurological injuries
Although the Rehabilitation Code is a vital tool for lawyers fighting for neurologically injured clients, since it provides a key avenue for obtaining early and potentially life altering interventions, nevertheless, much more needs to be done to ensure that it is an effective option for all those who could benefit.
3 May 2023
Spotlight on Venous Thromboembolism (blood clots)
A blood clot is a semi-solid mass of blood cells and other substances that form within blood vessels. It can block a vein or an artery, preventing blood from reaching organs, with potentially devastating consequences. It is vital that symptoms of a clot are recognised and treated quickly otherwise they can be life threatening or cause permanent damage. Unfortunately, misdiagnosis and delays in diagnosis are not uncommon and these, along with other failures in the management of blood clots, can lead to claims for medical negligence.
25 April 2023
Delay in Diagnosis: Atrial Fibrillation and Avoidable Stroke Claims
Delay in diagnosis or other mismanagement of Atrial Fibrillation can lead to an avoidable stroke and may give rise to a claim of medical negligence.
What is Atrial Fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a heart condition that causes an irregular and often unusually fast heartbeat. It is caused by abnormal electrical impulses. In AF, the upper chambers of the heart do not pump efficiently. It is the most common heart rhythm disturbance and affects around 1.4 million people in the UK.
18 April 2023
Delays in Diagnosis: What is happening with Cancer?
Delays in diagnosing cancer are a common area for claims of medical negligence.
Why can cancer be diagnosed late?
There are many factors which affect why cancer diagnosis may be delayed, including where a patient does not notice their symptoms. However, it may be that a GP or hospital doctor fails to recognise potential cancer symptoms and investigate them appropriately, or refer a patient on time. Referrals can also be made to the wrong specialty. In these circumstances, there may be a claim for medical negligence.
A study from 2019 by Cancer Research UK found that one in four cancer patients experienced a delay in diagnosis that could have been avoided. The causes were multiple but according to the study included long waiting times for tests. Patients with other pre-existing conditions were found to be more likely to experience an avoidable delay, potentially because of difficulties distinguishing between symptoms attributed to the condition and those that could be an indicator of cancer.