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Misdiagnosed lyme disease claims

If you or a loved one have suffered due to misdiagnosed Lyme disease, you may be entitled to claim compensation. Lyme disease can have a serious impact on your health and wellbeing, and an incorrect or late diagnosis could result in unnecessary and prolonged suffering. At Stephensons, our dedicated medical negligence solicitors specialise in claims involving Lyme disease and we are committed to helping you secure the compensation you deserve.

 

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What is misdiagnosed lyme disease?

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection typically transmitted by tick bites and can lead to various debilitating symptoms if left untreated, such as joint pain, neurological issues, fatigue, and heart problems. Unfortunately, symptoms of Lyme disease can often mimic other conditions, resulting in misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis by healthcare professionals.

Misdiagnosed Lyme disease occurs when medical professionals incorrectly diagnose the condition as something else or fail to diagnose it altogether. Conditions which Lyme disease is frequently mistaken for include chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis (MS), arthritis, or depression. Misdiagnosis can have severe consequences, resulting in delayed treatment, prolonged illness, unnecessary pain and suffering, and in some cases even permanent damage.

Can you claim compensation for misdiagnosed lyme disease?

If you have suffered harm or injury due to the medical misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of Lyme disease, you may be able to claim compensation. A successful claim could help you recover damages for pain and suffering, loss of earnings, additional medical costs, rehabilitation expenses, and other related financial losses.

Compensation in misdiagnosed lyme disease claims can vary considerably based on injury severity, the impact of negligence on your health and finances, and other individual circumstances. Compensation typically falls into two categories:

  • General Damages - Compensation awarded for your physical and psychological pain, suffering, and loss of amenity. This is assessed based on the extent, seriousness, and duration of your injuries or illness caused by negligence.
  • Special Damages - These damages comprise compensation for financial losses incurred in the past and/or future due to negligence, including loss of earnings, medical expenses, travel costs, gratuitous care requirements, rehabilitation expenses, home adaptations, and any other related financial losses.

Our solicitors will assess your situation in detail and advise you realistically about the potential amount.

To pursue a claim successfully, it must be demonstrated that:-

  • Breach of Duty - The healthcare professional or institution failed to provide medical care which fell below appropriate standards and/or acted negligently by failing to conduct appropriate investigations, tests, or referrals.
  • Causation - It must also be proven that this negligence directly contributed to your suffering or worsened your medical outcome

At Stephensons, we have the expertise and experience to evaluate your circumstances thoroughly and advise clearly on the likely success of your case.

Why choose us for your misdiagnosed lyme disease claim?

At Stephensons, our medical negligence solicitors are dedicated to supporting clients who have experienced substandard medical care. With years of experience managing complex claims involving misdiagnosis, we understand the difficulties our clients face and work tirelessly to secure justice and compensation.

We are recognised by leading legal bodies, including accreditations by the Law Society for Clinical Negligence and Lexcel. We strive for excellence in client care and legal advice, maintaining clear communication and empathy through every step of your claim.

Our approachable and compassionate team is committed to making the claims process as straightforward and stress-free as possible, offering initial advice without obligation and providing transparent information regarding fees. Many cases can be undertaken on a no win, no fee basis, giving you peace of mind in pursuing your claim.

How we can help with your lyme disease misdiagnosis claim

Our experienced solicitors will guide you through every step of your medical negligence claim, offering comprehensive legal support tailored to your individual needs. We will gather evidence and expert medical opinion necessary to substantiate your claim, handle negotiations on your behalf, and, if necessary, represent your interests robustly in court.

Our aim is to achieve the best possible outcome efficiently, maximising the compensation awarded to help you move forwards and rebuild your life following misdiagnosis.

Contact Stephensons for expert legal advice

If you believe you or a loved one have suffered due to misdiagnosed Lyme disease, speak to one of our medical negligence specialists today. Contact Stephensons on 0333 323 1623 or complete our online enquiry form and we will call you back promptly.

FAQs - misdiagnosed lyme disease claims

What are common symptoms of Lyme disease?

Common symptoms include fatigue, headaches, joint and muscle pain, neurological symptoms, rash (commonly known as the "bullseye rash"), and fever. Symptoms can vary from person to person.

How long do I have to make a Lyme disease misdiagnosis claim?

In line with standard medical negligence claims, according to the Limitation Act 1980, the general time limit for making a compensation claim related to misdiagnosed Lyme disease in the UK is three years from the date of negligence occurrence or three years from the date you became aware of negligence causing harm (often known as the "date of knowledge"). However, exceptions do exist in specific circumstances, including:

  • If the claimant is under the age of 18, the three-year limitation period begins on their 18th birthday, expiring at age 21.
  • If the claimant lacks mental capacity, the time limitation may potentially be extended indefinitely until the claimant regains capacity.
  • If the alleged defendant agrees to a limitation extension, and/or the Court approves an extension in specific circumstances at its own discretion.

Although three years may seem sufficient, we strongly recommend contacting Stephensons as early as possible after the negligence event occurs. Prompt legal action allows our solicitors maximum opportunity for evidence collection, expert advice, and achieving successful outcomes.

How much compensation will I receive for misdiagnosed Lyme disease?

Every case is unique, and the compensation awarded depends on factors such as the severity of harm endured, financial losses, and ongoing care expenses. Once we have assessed your circumstances, we can provide an indication of potential compensation.

Do you handle Lyme disease claims on a no win, no fee basis?

Yes, Stephensons can offer no win, no fee arrangements (also known as Conditional Fee Agreements) on suitable cases. Contact our solicitors today on 0161 696 6165 to discuss your eligibility.

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