Endometriosis Awareness Month: The Risks of Medical Negligence

March marks the return of Endometriosis Awareness Month, a global campaign dedicated to shining a light on a condition that remains lived in the shadows for far too many.

 

 

At Oakwood Solicitors, we see firsthand the devastating physical, emotional, and financial toll that medical negligence can take on those living with endometriosis.

Despite affecting 1 in 10 women and those assigned female at birth in the UK, a figure comparable to those living with diabetes or asthma, public awareness remains alarmingly low.

 

The Awareness Gap: A Wake-up Call

New research from Endometriosis UK reveals a startling reality:

• 54% of the UK public do not know what endometriosis is.
• Among men, this figure rises to 74%.
• Crucially, 62% of young women (aged 16–24) cannot identify the condition, and 67% cannot name a single symptom.

This lack of education contributes to a societal taboo that delays diagnosis. Currently, the average time to receive an endometriosis diagnosis in the UK is a shocking 7.5 years.

During these years of “waiting,” patients often suffer through debilitating pain, organ damage, and mental health struggles.

 

When “Waiting” Becomes Negligence

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other areas, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and even the bowel or bladder. As symptoms often overlap with other conditions, the risk of medical error is high.

How Negligence Typically Occurs:

1. Misdiagnosis: GPs may dismiss chronic pelvic pain or bloating as IBS, PCOS, or routine period pain. Without a specialist referral, the condition progresses, potentially leading to infertility.
2. Delayed Diagnosis: A failure by gynaecologists to recognise clear symptoms or investigate persistent complaints can lead to irreversible damage to internal organs.
3. Surgical Errors: The only definitive way to diagnose and treat endometriosis is through laparoscopic surgery. If a surgeon uses improper techniques, they may puncture the bladder, bowel, or liver, causing severe internal trauma.

Endometriosis costs the UK economy £8.2 billion annually in healthcare costs and lost work, yet it remains one of the most under-researched areas of medicine.

 

 

Your Rights and Potential Compensation

If you have suffered avoidable harm due to substandard medical care, you may be entitled to a medical negligence claim. At Oakwood Solicitors, we assess the impact on your life to ensure you receive the support you need.

Understanding Compensation Brackets

Compensation (General Damages) is calculated based on the severity of the harm. Below are indicative brackets based on the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG):

Harm Category	Potential Compensation	Key Factors
Severe Reproductive Damage	£140,210 – £207,260	Infertility results in depression, anxiety, and pain.
Infertility (Younger Patients)	£68,440 – £87,070	Infertility without sexual dysfunction in younger claimants.
Complete Loss of Bladder Control	Up to £171,680	Total loss of function and control.
Severe Psychiatric Damage	£66,920 – £141,240	Impact on the ability to work, educate, and cope with life.
Bowel Impairment	£97,530	Passive incontinence and distress following surgery.

You may also claim Special Damages for lost wages, private medical expenses, and childcare costs.

 

Acting: Proving Your Case

To pursue a claim, you must prove that a medical professional breached their duty of care. We recommend keeping:

• Medical Records: Copies of scans (ultrasounds/MRIs) and prescriptions.
• A Pain Diary: Documentation of your symptoms and how they were dismissed.
• Complaint Logs: Records of any formal complaints made to the GP or hospital.

There is generally a 3-year time limit from the date of the negligence or the date you became aware of it. Exceptions apply to those under 18 or those lacking mental capacity.

 

A Call for Change

Emma Cox, CEO of Endometriosis UK, emphasises that this month is about more than just talk: “We need to see stark changes to the system to ensure that all those with endometriosis can access the right care at the right time… society and the NHS must wake up.”

At Oakwood Solicitors, we are committed to supporting those let down by the healthcare system. If your symptoms were ignored or your surgery went wrong, you don’t have to face it alone.

 

Further information:

Endometriosis UK: Endometriosis Awareness Month. 

 

WHAT TO DO NEXT

If you have been impacted or suffered at the length of endometriosis medical negligence, we are here to support you. Get in touch today for a no-obligation consultation.

Choose one of the methods on the right-hand side of this page, or call us on 0113 323 3762 to find out how we can help you.

 

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Carol Cook joined Oakwood Solicitors in May 2017 to lead the Medical Negligence Department. Carol handles a wide range of clinical, cosmetic and dental negligence claims and has years of experi…

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