Our medical negligence solicitors helped a woman claim compensation from an NHS Trust following a delayed diagnosis of her ectopic pregnancy, which left her unable to have children naturally.
What happened?
Ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilised egg implants itself outside of the uterus, typically in one of the fallopian tubes. This type of pregnancy can’t result in a live birth and carries serious health risks, including rupture of the fallopian tube, which can impact future fertility.
In June 2019, our client – then 32 years-old and expecting her third child - attended the Urgent Care Department at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, complaining of severe lower abdominal pain. Given her previous history of ectopic pregnancy and her showing similar symptoms, an immediate and thorough assessment should have followed.
However, the sonographer wrongly reported the ultrasound scan as showing a pregnancy of unknown location. Had the scan been interpreted appropriately, this would’ve shown an empty uterus and a mass consistent with ectopic pregnancy. This would have needed an urgent gynaecology review with possible treatment with methotrexate or diagnostic laparoscopy.
Instead, our client sustained a ruptured fallopian tube and had emergency surgery to remove her remaining fallopian tube.
How did this impact our client?
Had her condition been diagnosed promptly, our client’s fallopian tube could have been preserved. Tragically, the misdiagnosis rendered her unable to conceive naturally. She now faces future IVF treatment to grow her family.
Compensation was awarded not only for the loss of fertility but also for associated injuries. These included psychiatric trauma, bladder pain and sexual dysfunction.
How we helped
Our medical negligence solicitors conducted an in-depth investigation against Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. Independent expert evidence was obtained, confirming that the ultrasound scan had been misreported and that a referral to specialist care should have taken place immediately.
Following submission of the claim, the Trust admitted responsibility and acknowledged the substandard level of care provided.
A six-figure settlement
Through careful negotiations by our specialist medical negligence team, the claim was successfully resolved, and our client received a six-figure settlement.
While no financial award can truly compensate for the consequences of the medical negligence she experienced, this settlement ensures our client has access to the future treatment and support she needs. This includes IVF treatment, so she can grow her family as she’d intended.
Expert comment
This claim was handled by Priya Saddington-Poole, a Solicitor in our specialist medical negligence team.
Speaking of the case, Priya commented: “This case underscores how vital it is for early and accurate diagnosis, particularly in conditions as time-sensitive as ectopic pregnancy. Our client’s story is both deeply distressing and entirely avoidable.
“At its core, this claim was about accountability. It is crucial that Trusts consistently meet clinical standards, so patients can feel safe and supported during some of life’s most vulnerable moments. I am delighted to have been able to help our client seek justice and secure financial security for her future family plans.”
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