Delayed Diagnosis of Serious Splenic Injury Following CT Scan Misreporting

Case Summary

Irvings Law successfully secured compensation for a client (‘A’) who suffered a delayed diagnosis of a serious splenic injury after a CT scan was negligently misreported.

The delay left him enduring severe pain and internal bleeding before the true extent of his injuries was finally identified.

Background

On 06 October 2023, A suffered a serious accident when he fell through a loft and landed on a banister. He immediately experienced excruciating pain in his back and torso.

The following morning, on 07 October 2023, he attended the Accident and Emergency Department at Trafford General Hospital. As part of his assessment, he underwent CT scans of his spine, chest, abdomen and pelvis.

The scans were reported as showing no acute injuries, fractures or internal trauma. He was advised that the imaging was normal and that he was simply bruised and battered from the fall. He was discharged home with advice to take paracetamol and ibuprofen for pain relief.

Despite this reassurance, A’s condition continued to deteriorate.

On 08 October 2023, he collapsed at home. His partner contacted NHS 111 late that evening and was advised that he should return to hospital urgently.

The following morning, on 09 October 2023, his partner drove him to Salford Royal Hospital. Repeat CT scans were performed. These scans revealed multiple traumatic injuries which had not been identified on the original imaging, including:

• A Grade 3 splenic laceration with a significant splenic haematoma.
• Internal bleeding within the abdominal cavity.
• An undisplaced fracture of the left 10th rib.
• An undisplaced fracture of the left L1 transverse process.

The treating doctor informed A that he had been internally bleeding since the original accident.

Significantly, discussions with the reporting radiologist and interventional radiology team confirmed that the splenic injury was visible on the original CT scan performed two days earlier.

Representation

A instructed Hannah Winearls to pursue a medical negligence claim against the reporting radiologist.

A’s case centred upon the negligent failure to accurately interpret and report the CT scan performed on 07 October 2023.

The scan demonstrated a substantial splenic haematoma and associated splenic injury. It was our case that these findings were clearly visible and should have been identified by any reasonably competent radiologist.

This was not a subtle abnormality capable of differing professional opinion. Rather, it represented a significant and potentially life-threatening injury that required urgent treatment.

By failing to identify the splenic injury, the reporting radiologist allowed A to be discharged home whilst unknowingly suffering from ongoing internal bleeding.

The Consequences of the Delay

Medical evidence obtained on behalf of A confirmed that, had the splenic injury been correctly identified on 07 October 2023, he would have undergone splenic embolisation.

The delay in treatment allowed the splenic haematoma to enlarge and resulted in a greater accumulation of blood within the abdominal cavity than would otherwise have occurred.

As a consequence, A endured:

• Several days of severe and worsening pain.
• Significant loss of mobility and physical function.
• Collapse at home due to his deteriorating condition.
• Fear and distress for both himself and his family.
• An emergency ambulance transfer and urgent surgery.

Outcome

The Defendant admitted that there had been a failure to accurately report the CT scan undertaken on 07 October 2023.

The Defendant further admitted that, had the scan been reported correctly, the splenic injury would have been diagnosed at that time.

An apology was provided to A together with an acknowledgment of the delay in diagnosis and treatment.

Following negotiations between the parties, the claim was successfully resolved and compensation was secured for A.

The settlement recognised the pain, suffering, distress and additional medical complications caused by the delayed diagnosis.

Can I Start a Medical Negligence Claim?

If you or someone you know has suffered medical negligence similar to ND’s, such as a failure to diagnose and treat a tendon injury, then please get in touch with one of our specialist medical negligence solicitors today.

lrvings Law are specialists in handling medical negligence claims and are committed to securing financial compensation for victims of medical negligence.

We act on a ‘No Win, No fee’ basis. If your claim is successful, the costs will be paid by the Defendant. If the claim is not successful, the costs will be written off and you do not have to pay anything.

Contact us today for a no obligation and confidential chat on 0151 475 1999 or Clin.Neg@irvingslaw.com to see how we can help you.