Misdiagnosed epilepsy claims

What is misdiagnosed epilepsy?

Misdiagnosed epilepsy occurs when an individual is incorrectly diagnosed with epilepsy, despite exhibiting symptoms caused by another underlying medical condition or no condition at all. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterised by recurrent seizures, but various other conditions such as migraines, anxiety disorders, syncope (fainting), sleep disorders, cardiac arrhythmias and psychological conditions can present similar symptoms. A misdiagnosis can often lead to unnecessary treatments with antiepileptic medications, causing adverse side effects, avoidable mental anguish and delays in receiving the correct medical treatment or diagnosis.

Misdiagnosed epilepsy can significantly affect a person's daily life, causing unnecessary anxiety about seizures, difficulty securing employment, the inability to drive, and significant social and personal implications. If you or your loved ones have suffered as a result of a misdiagnosis of epilepsy, you may be entitled to claim compensation.

Can you claim compensation for misdiagnosed epilepsy?

If your epilepsy misdiagnosis occurred due to medical negligence and has caused you physical injury, psychological trauma or financial loss, you may have grounds for a medical negligence compensation claim. Examples of negligence may include failing to organise appropriate diagnostic tests, misinterpretation of test results, failing to consider alternative diagnoses, or continuing treatment for epilepsy despite clear signs that another condition may be causing your symptoms.

In order to successfully claim compensation, you must be able to demonstrate that:

• There was a breach of duty due to negligent medical care or mistakes.
• You suffered harm or loss directly as a result of that breach.

Our expert medical negligence solicitors can assess your individual circumstances, advise you on the strength of your claim, and support you every step of the way.

Why choose us for misdiagnosed epilepsy claims?

Stephensons is one of the UK's leading law firms, with a dedicated and highly experienced medical negligence team, recognised for our compassionate yet tenacious approach. We understand the emotional stress and complexities involved in cases of medical misdiagnosis and work tirelessly to secure justice for our clients.

Our team holds accreditations from the Law Society’s Clinical Negligence Accreditation Scheme, reflecting our expertise and high standards in handling medical negligence cases. Additionally, we are ranked in leading legal directories for our medical negligence services, highlighting our commitment, skill and success rate.

At Stephensons, we pride ourselves on providing tailored, client-focused legal advice with clear, straightforward communication and robust representation throughout the entire claims process. We offer a personalised approach, treating each client as an individual, while utilising our in-depth knowledge and experience to achieve the best possible outcome.

How we can help

If you believe you have suffered as a result of epilepsy misdiagnosis, our specialist medical negligence solicitors will assist you at every stage. Initially, we will offer you a free consultation where we listen carefully to your experience and discuss your likelihood of achieving a successful claim.

If we believe there is a valid claim, we will instruct independent medical experts to thoroughly investigate your case and provide clear, objective evidence of any negligence that took place. We will handle negotiations with the responsible parties on your behalf, aiming to obtain fair compensation to cover your physical injuries, emotional suffering, medical treatments, lost earnings and costs for rehabilitation or counselling required as a result of the misdiagnosis.

Throughout the claims process, we will keep you informed at every step and offer you practical support and guidance. Our goal is always to achieve not only compensation, but also justice and closure to help you move forward with your life.

Contact us

For a confidential and no-obligation discussion with a member of our medical negligence team, call us now on 0161 696 6165 or complete our enquiry form online and we'll arrange a callback. Stephensons is here to help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.

Frequently asked questions about misdiagnosed epilepsy claims

What are the common reasons for epilepsy misdiagnosis?

Common reasons include inadequate diagnostic tests, misinterpretation of EEG or brain scans, rushed consultations or failure to investigate alternative diagnoses thoroughly.

How long do I have to make a claim?

Generally, you have three years from the date of the negligence, or three years from the date that you first became aware of your misdiagnosis and its consequences. However, there are exceptions, so contacting a solicitor as soon as possible is essential.

How much compensation might I receive?

Compensation amounts vary significantly depending on the specific circumstances and severity of the consequences. Compensation typically covers pain and suffering, psychological damage, loss of earnings, rehabilitation costs, and any other expenses incurred due to negligence.

Will I have to go to court?

The majority of medical negligence cases settle out of court through negotiation. If a court hearing becomes necessary, our experienced team will provide comprehensive support and guidance, keeping you fully informed throughout the process.

Can I claim for someone else affected by epilepsy misdiagnosis?

If a loved one lacks the mental or physical capacity to claim, you may be able to bring a claim on their behalf as their litigation friend. We can guide you through this process and explain the eligibility criteria further.