Meningitis
Meningitis is a dangerous inflammation of the protective membranes (meninges) around the brain and spinal cord, often caused by bacterial or viral infections. Bacterial meningitis is a potentially life-threatening condition which requires immediate medical attention including the prescription of antibiotics, while viral meningitis, though typically less severe, still needs prompt care. Symptoms of meningitis include fever, a severe headache, a stiff neck, sensitivity to light, confusion, and in babies, a high-pitched cry, refusal to feed, or a rash that does not fade when pressed. Delays in diagnosis or treatment can lead to permanent disability including hearing loss, brain damage, or even death.
Which negligent errors are most common?
Medical negligence occurs when doctors or other healthcare professionals fail to meet accepted standards of care and in so doing cause avoidable injury. Common errors in meningitis care which result in negligence cases include overlooking “red flag” symptoms (like a non-fading rash), delaying critical tests such as blood tests or lumbar punctures, misdiagnosing meningitis as a mild illness like flu, or not administering antibiotics swiftly when bacterial meningitis is suspected. Poor communication with you about worsening symptoms, or inadequate follow-up after discharge, can also contribute to harm. These mistakes may lead to avoidable complications, long-term health issues, or tragic outcomes.
If you believe that negligence in the provision of your care worsened the impact of meningitis on you, contact us at The Medical Law Partnership, a specialist firm in clinical negligence claims. We will review your case by obtaining medical records, consulting independent experts, and assessing whether the substandard care you received caused you harm. In England and Wales, you generally have three years from the date of the negligence—or from when you first linked your injury to the care received—to start a claim. For children, the 3-year period in which a claim may be brought starts on their 18th birthday. Here at The Medical Law Partnership, we will guide you through the process, ensuring all the necessary evidence is gathered to build a strong case for you while supporting you emotionally and legally.
Compensation aims to address the physical, emotional, and financial impacts of negligence. It will consist of “general damages” which compensate you for pain, suffering, and loss of independence, as well as “special damages” which cover your financial losses. The financial compensation may include the costs of past and future medical treatment, rehabilitation, specialist equipment (like hearing aids), home adaptations, lost earnings, and caregiving expenses. In severe cases involving permanent disability, compensation might fund lifelong support. Here at The Medical Law Partnership, we work with medical and financial experts to calculate a fair amount tailored to your needs, ensuring all current and future costs are considered.
The duration of a claim depends on its complexity. Straightforward cases, where negligence is quickly admitted, may settle within 2-4 years. More complex cases, such as those involving disputes over liability, severe long-term injuries, or the need for extensive expert evidence, can take longer. Delays often arise from negotiating with the NHS or the NHS insurers, court schedules, and the time required to assess your long-term care needs. We prioritise resolving all claims efficiently while ensuring thorough preparation to secure the best outcome. We will keep you updated at every stage of the claim process and work with you to minimise stress throughout the process.
By understanding your rights and seeking specialist legal advice, you can hold healthcare providers accountable and secure the support you need to rebuild your life and we offer you the expertise and compassion you need to navigate this challenging journey.
Start your claim
Fill in your details below and one of our team will be in touch shortly for a free, confidential conversation. No pressure, just honest, expert advice.