Appendicitis Claims

Appendicitis can occur when the appendix becomes swollen and painful. It is often caused by an obstruction to the appendix, such as faeces or sometimes even cancerous tumors. This, in turn, causes a build up of bacteria that then causes inflammation.

Though appendicitis can occur in all age ranges, it is particularly prevalent in younger generation particularly 12-35.

Catching an inflamed appendix early can prevent the appendix from bursting and causing further problems. If the appendix is perforated, or burst open, that releases all the built-up bacteria into the body which puts you at risk of further infection.

Furthermore, it is often a very painful experience and can lead to further complications such as peritonitis which is a very dangerous condition unless treated quickly.

• A loss of appetite
• Tender or inflamed abdomen
• Vomiting
• Pain is increased with movement
• High temperature
• Inability to pass wind

• Physical Examination
• X-rays or CT scan

Appendicitis is often confused with other conditions that affect the same area. For example, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is sometimes diagnosed as the symptoms can be similar.

Urine and bladder infections can also be commonly confused with appendicitis and so are misdiagnosed as the cause of the problem.

Around 45,000 patients are admitted to hospital with appendix problems annually.

If you feel that you have been affected as a result of late diagnosis or incorrect or inappropriate treatment, then you may be entitled to bring about a claim for compensation.

The team at Oakwood Solicitors Ltd will be able to give you free advice on the prospects of your case and whether you would be eligible to make a claim.

The patient who has been affected may be able to bring about a claim. However, it can also sadly be the case that the patient has passed as a result of the disease. In such instances, the executor of the estate or the next of kin/dependents may be able to bring about a claim.

Our specialist team will be able to discuss whether you have a right to bring about a claim, so if you or a loved one has been affected do not hesitate to contact us.

Given the complexities involved in pursuing clinical negligence claims, they can often take 18-24 months to conclude and longer if court proceedings have to be issued.

Our investigations start by obtaining all relevant records and protocols before approaching independent medical experts for their opinion. We will provide you with regular updates on the progress of your case to ensure that you are kept up to speed.

It is often difficult to value clinical negligence claims at their outset given the complexities involved however we will pursue two forms of compensation for you:

• General damages – an award of money for the pain and suffering you have endured as a result of the negligence.
• Special damages – an award of money for all of your out of pocket expenses such as travel expenses, medication costs, loss of earnings, treatment costs both past and future. This list is not exhaustive and is very case-specific.

The majority of clinical negligence cases are funded by a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), more commonly known as a ‘no-win, no-fee’ agreement. This means that there will be nothing to pay upfront and nothing to pay if the claim has been lost. If you are successful in your claim, a deduction of 25% of damages will be taken to cover the success fee and the shortfall in legal fees.

It may also be the case that an After The Event (ATE) insurance policy will be obtained to cover the costs of expensive medical reports and investigations. If an ATE insurance policy has to be obtained the cost of the same will be discussed with you at the appropriate point.

The cost of the ATE insurance policy is again taken from your damages and only payable if you are successful with your claim.

We have a dedicated team of solicitors and paralegals who have many years’ experience between them in running cases of this nature. They are highly trained to deal with all aspects of clinical and medical negligence.

Oakwood Solicitors Ltd wishes to ensure that clients are not overwhelmed by legal jargon or medical terms that they don’t understand and aims to allow the claims procedure to be as transparent as possible.

Read about some of our team’s previous successful Medical Negligence cases here.