We have represented a number of clients over the years who have suffered sight loss due to retinal detachment, which went unrecognised in the early stages.
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 such as floaters/increased floaters, flashing lights, a veil or, often described as a curtain coming across your field of vision (this is actually the retina detaching) or blurred vision, then these can be cause for concern.
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.
Treatments
There are a number of treatments, which vary depending on the type of retinal problem.
If for example, the retina has not yet detached and a hole or a tear is found, this can be repaired by laser or cryotherapy.
If the retina has actually come away, then what is called a Vitrectomy is often performed where some of the vitreous (the jelly like substance inside your eye) is removed and gas or oil is injected into the space to keep the retina in place.
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 but 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 for you and the solicitor. 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 endeavour to obtain 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).
Our dedicated team of lawyers will be able to identify the issues affecting you and your loved ones and offer you the best practical advice on the options available to you and the possibility of a medical negligence claim. Please click here for a call back or message us your enquiry.