Stroke Misdiagnosis Claims

Claim Compensation for Misdiagnosis of a Stroke

Someone suffers a stroke in the UK roughly every five minutes, they can happen very quickly without warning. Stroke negligence happens when medical professionals do not provide the proper care needed to identify, treat, or manage a stroke. If you have been harmed because of this, you might be able to claim compensation.

Expert stroke misdiagnosis solicitors

Stroke misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis can lead to life-changing consequences. Prompt treatment is critical to prevent permanent brain injury, disability or even death. When medical professionals fail to recognise the signs of a stroke, or mistake it for another condition, the impact can be devastating.

If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to a missed or delayed stroke diagnosis, Osbornes Law can help you pursue a medical negligence claim and the compensation you deserve.

What is stroke misdiagnosis?

Around 85% of strokes occur when the blood supply to the brain is blocked by a blood clot. This is known as an ischaemic stroke. A mini stroke or TIA happens in the same way, but the blockage is temporary. TIAs are a warning sign of a potential major stroke and should always be taken seriously. High blood pressure is one of the most common causes of strokes, if it is not diagnosed or properly managed can increase the risk of having a stroke.

Haemorrhagic strokes are much rarer and happen when a weakened blood vessel supplying the brain bursts. Early intervention at the first signs of a stroke can make the difference between full recovery and severe, lasting disability.

Misdiagnosis may occur when symptoms are dismissed or mistaken for:

• Migraine
• Vertigo
• Alcohol intoxication
• Hypoglycaemia
• Seizures or anxiety

In other cases, a stroke may be correctly suspected but not treated in time, due to delayed diagnosis or poor hospital procedures. You can learn more about how delays in diagnosis can amount to medical negligence on our Delayed Diagnosis Claims page.

Consequences of a missed or delayed stroke diagnosis

When stroke treatment is delayed or not treated due to a diagnostic error, patients may suffer:

• Severe brain injury
• Paralysis or loss of motor function
• Loss of speech or cognitive ability
• Long-term care needs
• Reduced life expectancy
• In the worst cases, misdiagnosis can result in death.

Do I have a stroke misdiagnosis claim?

You may be entitled to claim compensation if:

• Medical staff failed to recognise stroke symptoms or wrongly diagnosed another condition
• Treatment such as blood clot thinning drugs not given when appropriate
• There was a delay in hospital admission, scans or referrals
• Your condition worsened significantly due to these failures

Proving a stroke misdiagnosis claim involves demonstrating that the standard of care fell below what was expected, and that this directly caused avoidable harm. Our misdiagnosis claims solicitors can guide you through the process.

How much compensation can I claim for stroke misdiagnosis?

The amount of compensation you can claim depends on the severity of the harm the stroke caused and the impact it has had on your life. Compensation is made up of:

• General damages for pain, suffering and loss of amenity
• Special damages for financial losses, such as loss of earnings, care costs, and ongoing medical treatment
• Future losses, including loss of future income, specialist equipment and long-term rehabilitation or care

In severe cases involving permanent disability or brain damage, compensation can reach several hundred thousand pounds or more. Every case is different, so we will assess your circumstances carefully and ensure any settlement reflects the full extent of your losses.

Time limits for claiming a stroke misdiagnosis compensation

You typically have three years from the date of treatment, or from when you first became aware it caused you harm, to bring a medical negligence claim.

It’s important to seek legal advice as early as possible so we can gather evidence and begin building your case.

Contact Osbornes Law about a no win no fee claim

Our award-winning medical negligence team has years of experience handling compensation claims involving stroke misdiagnosis and related conditions, including heart disease and circulatory disorders. If your stroke was linked to an undiagnosed heart condition, our team can also advise you on cardiac and heart disease negligence claims.

Why clients choose our medical negligence solicitors:

• Accredited specialists in clinical negligence
• Experience with high-value and complex brain injury claims
• A sensitive, client-first approach to legal support
• No win, no fee funding available

To speak with one of our solicitors, contact us by:

• Filling in our online enquiry form; or
• Calling us on 020 7485 8811