When not recognised in the early stages, retinal detachment can cause sufferers to lose sight in the effected eye. We have represented a number of clients over the years who have suffered as a result of this negligent care.

The retina is a thin layer of tissue lining the inside of your eye.  If the retina dislodges, it leads to distorted eyesight and, in severe cases, blindness.

Symptoms

Typically, if you notice any of the following changes to your eyesight, it can be cause for concern:

• Floaters/increased floaters
• Flashing lights
• A veil or a curtain coming across your field of vision – this is actually the retina detaching
• Blurred vision

Retinal detachment is a medical emergency where time is often of the essence when it comes to recovery – so you must seek medical assistance without delay.

There are a number of treatments that vary depending on the type of retinal problem.

Our Clients

In the vast majority of cases, patients are properly assessed and treated but in a small minority, due to human error, our clients have suffered avoidable sight loss.

Errors we have come across have taken place at the Optometrist (Opticians), GP or A&E department. 

A&E departments have on-call Ophthalmologists who can be consulted.  Errors can occur where for example, a patient is not examined by the on-call Ophthalmologist as either the A&E doctor or the on-call Ophthalmologist does not consider this necessary. 

It is a judgment call in each case and taking a detailed history is key together with a thorough examination.

Our clients have told us that although they relayed the symptoms they were reassured. Then, predictably, their symptoms progressed and by the time the diagnosis was made, more extensive and complex surgery was needed which carried a lesser chance of success.

Our Role

We investigate to give you the answers; to find out what happened to you and whether it should have been avoided (when notified of a claim, this is also something that the NHS are keen to do).

Firstly, we take a detailed statement from you and then we obtain your medical records.  Our in-house medical team scrutinise the records and produce a report on their findings.  If we consider there might be a case of sub-standard care, we will progress to obtain an opinion from an independent medical expert, often an Ophthalmologist. 

If we find that we have expert evidence to support a case, we will do our utmost to get an early a settlement of compensation as soon as possible, to help you get your life back on track (if for example, you were forced to give up work and you need to be compensated for lost earnings in the past and future).

For a free consultation with one of our legal team call us on 0151 647 9381, request a callback at your convenience, message us, or drop-in to the clinic at our Birkenhead office, Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm throughout September and October.