Sadly, errors relating to late diagnosis and treatment of ectopic pregnancy and misdiagnosis of miscarriage occur far too often in hospitals and clinics across the UK.
Our specialist medical negligence and personal injury team supports families who have suffered, after receiving poor medical care during their pregnancy. We know how deeply personal these cases are and how important it is to get answers, as well as accountability and justice.
Understanding ectopic pregnancy
Healthcare professionals have clear guidelines to follow. When those guidelines are sometimes missed or ignored, serious harm can result.
One of the most tragic examples is a missed ectopic pregnancy. This happens when a fertilised egg implants outside the womb, often in a fallopian tube. Without urgent treatment, it can cause internal bleeding, loss of fertility or, in extreme cases, become life-threatening. Many women who seek help for abdominal pain or bleeding are sent home without proper scans or monitoring - only to return later with life-threatening complications.
Please click here for more information on ectopic pregnancy claims.
Miscarriages can also be wrongly diagnosed. In some cases, an early but viable pregnancy is mistaken for a failed one because an ultrasound or blood test was interpreted incorrectly. A patient may even undergo unnecessary procedures, such as a dilation and curettage (D&C), which ends what could have been a healthy pregnancy. These are heartbreaking and preventable mistakes.
Why these errors happen
In regard to ectopic pregnancy, in our experience there is sometimes a GP failure to conduct a pregnancy test and then to wrongly attribute symptoms to other matters; more often, despite a positive pregnancy test, there may be a failure to refer to an Early Pregnancy Unit to conduct an Ultrasound Scan (USS) or repeat USS to check the location of the pregnancy, or to check BhCG levels, being an indicator of an ongoing pregnancy. Sometimes ‘red-flag’ symptoms such as one-sided pain, heavy bleeding or shoulder-tip pain are sometimes dismissed.
Delays can have devastating consequences, both physically and emotionally; particular the opportunity of non-surgical treatment with Methotrexate may be lost. Sadly, the loss of a fallopian tube is often inevitable, which may limit the value of the claim to additional pain & suffering for a relatively short period of time, but the delay may have exposed the Claimant to the avoidable pain of a ruptured tube.
The devastating human impact
When a pregnancy loss or ectopic pregnancy is mismanaged, the consequences can last a lifetime. Some patients lose their fertility after a ruptured fallopian tube. Others suffer long-term pain, infection or psychological trauma. Many can experience profound grief and anger.
We understand how overwhelming this can be. You deserve clear answers and compassionate support while you recover and rebuild your life.
How Coles Miller can help
Our experienced medical negligence solicitors can investigate what went wrong in your care. We will obtain your medical records, review scan results and work with independent medical experts to determine whether your treatment fell below acceptable standards.
If negligence is proven, we will pursue a claim for compensation on your behalf. This can cover your pain and suffering, loss of fertility, emotional trauma, loss of income and the cost of any future treatment you may need.
Our medical negligence claims are handled on a No Win No Fee basis, so you won’t have to pay any legal costs if your claim is unsuccessful.
Throughout your case, our team will provide clear advice, sensitive support and regular updates. We’ll make sure your voice is heard, and that your story is treated with the respect it deserves.
Taking the next step
The Limitation Act states that you have three years from your knowledge of negligence causing significant injury to make a medical negligence claim. However, there are some exceptions, and so it is essential to seek legal advice as soon as possible.
If you believe that your labour, miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy was mishandled, Coles Miller’s specialist team can help. We offer a free initial consultation where we can listen to your story, explain your options and begin to put things right.
If you feel that you may need some help, please do call 01202 673011 to speak to our medical negligence team. You can also email enquiries@coles-miller.co.uk, and visit www.coles-miller.co.uk to find out more.
You don’t have to face this alone. We’re here to help you find answers, justice and a positive way forward.
Get Expert Legal Advice
If you have a medical negligence claim, please contact David Simpson, Partner and Head of the Medical Negligence team at Coles Miller Solicitors.
His practice covers a wide range of medical negligence matters. David regularly deals with cases of high complexity and value; he has particular interest in cases involving Cauda Equina, vascular problems leading to amputation and mismanaged labour.
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