Gadsby Wicks, a specialist medical negligence firm serving Essex and East Anglia, has successfully achieved compensation for a client who suffered due to delayed treatment of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) and Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR).
The case involved Mrs F (anonymised to protect her and her family’s privacy), who initially consulted her GP with shoulder joint and hip pain, as well as limited movement in her upper legs. Despite her symptoms, no meaningful action was taken. Mrs F returned a month later with worsening symptoms, including difficulty in daily activities and severe pain in her jaw and temple. Once again, no significant action was taken.
After another month-and-a-half, Mrs F experienced blurred vision in her left eye and was admitted to A&E. Unfortunately, she lost all vision in her left eye shortly after. Subsequently, she was diagnosed with GCA and PMR and underwent blood transfusions and high-dose steroid medication, which led to side effects, including Cushing’s Disease.
Gadsby Wicks pursued the claim on the basis that the GP should have diagnosed and treated Mrs F for PMR during her first consultation, preventing the development of severe side effects from high-dose steroids. Additionally, the GP should have recognised the signs of GCA during the second visit and initiated investigations and treatment to prevent the loss of vision in her left eye.
Following an investigation and exchange of expert evidence, the claim settled out of court, resulting in fair compensation for the pain, suffering, and difficulties Mrs F endured.
Tony Mitty, the medical solicitor assigned to Mrs F’s case, expressed regret over cases where poor outcomes could have been avoided with timely intervention. Nevertheless, he is glad they could help Mrs F secure a successful result and hopes that the compensation awarded will provide her with support as she moves forward.
Gadsby Wicks remains committed to achieving the best outcomes for clients who have suffered GP negligence due to avoidable delays in their medical care, especially considering the rising number of delayed treatment claims they have received in the past year.
