We understand that experiencing an ectopic pregnancy can be traumatic, particularly if there were delays in diagnosis or concerns about the care you received.
If you've experienced a missed ectopic pregnancy or a misdiagnosed ectopic pregnancy, our specialist solicitors can help you understand what happened, your legal rights, and advise you on whether you may be entitled to compensation.
What is an Ectopic Pregnancy?
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilised egg ends up implanting itself outside the womb, most commonly in a fallopian tube. Sadly, this type of pregnancy cannot develop normally and can become a life-threatening medical emergency if left untreated.
Symptoms of an Ectopic Pregnancy
According to the NHS, around 1 in 90 pregnancies in the UK is ectopic, this is around 11,000 pregnancies a year. early detection is vital to prevent life-threatening injuries. The most common symptoms include:
- A missed period and other common signs of pregnancy
- Sharp lower tummy pain down one side
- Lower back pain
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting
- Shoulder pain, dizziness, weakness or fainting
If there has been a failure to recognise these symptoms by a medical professional it may lead to delayed treatment and possible grounds for an missed or misdiagnosed ectopic pregnancy negligence claim.
What is Ectopic Pregnancy Negligence?
Although uncommon, there are, unfortunately, instances where medical professionals make mistakes when diagnosing or treating ectopic pregnancy.
Here are some of the common issues we deal with:
• Misreading pregnancy scans, e.g., mistaking an ectopic pregnancy for a miscarriage or normal pregnancy.
• Failure to diagnose ectopic pregnancy due to misinterpreting symptoms - for example, shoulder pain could be diagnosed as something different.
• Delay in diagnosis or referral, increasing the risk of complications and emergency surgery.
• Mistakes made during surgery to remove the egg and fallopian tube.
• Incomplete surgery or poor post-operative care.
• Surgical negligence resulting in serious injury or death.
It is the duty of medical professionals to ensure their patients receive the appropriate care. If that duty was breached and you suffered harm as a result, you may be entitled to bring an ectopic pregnancy negligence claim.
Can I Make a Missed or Misdiagnosed Ectopic Pregnancy Claim?
If you have suffered harm due to misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, or surgical errors, you could be eligible for compensation for:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Loss of fertility or reproductive organs
- Emotional distress, trauma, or counselling costs
- Financial losses, including loss of earnings
- We have successfully handled cases where negligence led to:
- Ruptured fallopian tubes
- Emergency surgery
- Long-term fertility issues
- Emotional and psychological trauma
Why Speak to an Ectopic Pregnancy Solicitor?
If you or a loved one has suffered due to a missed or delayed diagnosis of an ectopic pregnancy, our specialist solicitors can:
- Explain your legal options in clear, easy-to-understand language
- Help you understand the compensation you could be entitled to
- Guide you through the claims process from start to finish
We offer a free, no-obligation consultation and handle most cases on a No Win, No Fee basis, so you can pursue your claim with no upfront costs or financial risk.
We understand that an ectopic pregnancy can be frightening and overwhelming, especially when medical care fails. Our friendly team is here to support you every step of the way, thoroughly investigate your case, and fight to secure the compensation you deserve.