March 13th marks World Kidney Day, a global initiative aimed at raising awareness of kidney health and the risks associated with kidney disease. Kidney disease often develops silently, with many people unaware they have it until it reaches an advanced stage.
Unfortunately, medical negligence can sometimes lead to delayed diagnosis, misdiagnosis, or inadequate treatment, which can have devastating consequences for patients with kidney conditions. Here, we take a closer look at instances of clinical negligence relating to kidney disease and how potential claims can be navigated.
The impact of medical negligence on kidney health
Mistakes in medical care can affect kidney patients in several ways, including:
- Delayed diagnosis – Kidney disease often progresses silently, with few symptoms in its early stages. A failure to conduct appropriate tests or recognise warning signs can mean a delay in diagnosis, leading to irreversible damage.
- Misdiagnosis – Symptoms of kidney disease, such as fatigue, swelling, and high blood pressure, can be mistaken for other conditions, leading to incorrect or delayed treatment.
- Medication errors – Certain medications, if prescribed incorrectly, can worsen kidney function or lead to kidney damage. Some medications have known side-effects and if proper monitoring and tests are not undertaken, the kidneys can be damaged.
- Surgical and treatment errors – Mistakes during procedures such as kidney transplants or dialysis can result in severe complications.
Your rights if you’ve suffered medical negligence
If you or a loved one has suffered due to a medical professional’s failure to diagnose or properly treat a kidney condition, you may be entitled to pursue a medical negligence claim. This could help you secure compensation for further treatment, loss of earnings, and the pain and suffering caused.
At O’Donnell Solicitors, we have experience supporting individuals who have suffered due to medical negligence. If you believe you have been affected, contact us today to discuss your case with our specialist team.
On World Kidney Day, let’s raise awareness of kidney health and the importance of timely, accurate medical care.
Contact Ken Lees, Head of Medical Negligence, to discuss your circumstances and discover if we can help you to make a no win no fee claim.
