Compensation recovered following GP delay in diagnosing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) leading to development of pulmonary embolism

Meg Pratt, specialist clinical negligence lawyer, acting for the claimant, successfully obtained compensation for the GP delay in diagnosing and treating deep vein thrombosis (DVT) which led to the development of an avoidable pulmonary embolism (PE).

Mr G had a relevant medical history, with a previous incident of unprovoked DVT some years earlier. Thereafter, he led a very healthy and active life.

In September 2021 Mr G underwent a face to face consultation with his GP, complaining of a recent history of aching and cramping alongside a swollen calf. Mr G was diagnosed with a muscular injury. His legs were not measured, nor was a Wells score established (a calculation to reflect the risk of developing DVT based on clinical criteria).

Mr G’s symptoms continued. In November 2021 he underwent a telephone consultation with an alternative GP. By this time, he had begun to experience shortness of breath. Mr G was immediately sent to hospital, where he underwent a clotting screen and d-dimer (a test to help detect the presence of blood clots).

Mr G’s results were raised and he underwent a venous duplex scan which revealed a DVT to the left leg. A CT scan went on to report a pulmonary embolus in his lungs.

The specialist clinical negligence team were instructed to bring a claim for compensation and did so on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis.

Advice was taken from an expert GP and expert vascular surgeon. The expert evidence supported that Mr G’s presentation and history at his initial GP consultation should have prompted investigations into DVT (with a Wells score calculated and referral for a d-dimer test). With this action, Mr G would have been diagnosed with DVT and treated with anticoagulation, which would have avoided the development of the pulmonary embolism and the impacts of this.

Mr G’s case was put to the defendant in a formal letter of claim. The defendant admitted liability at an early stage and an out-of-court settlement of damages was successfully negotiated to compensate Mr G for his pain, suffering and loss of amenity.

Meg Pratt  specialises in personal injury cases.  If you would like to ask Meg a question about a potential case, or if you have a general query about any clinical negligence, contact Meg Pratt at Thomson Snell & Passmore solicitors on 01892 701197 in confidence. We offer no win no fee agreements on the vast majority of our clinical negligence and personal injury cases.