BRAIN HAEMORRHAGE - BRAIN ANEURISM - MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE

Over 8,000 people in the UK suffer from a brain haemorrhage every year and about 75% of them are due to the rupture of a weak blood vessel, known as a brain aneurism caused by a slight increase in blood pressure. This often occurs as a result of sudden physical exercise in an individual, the most vulnerable of who are elderly smokers although this injury can occur in any individual of any age and lifestyle. When this happens blood suddenly bursts into the adjoining tissue which causes a rise in pressure within the skull often accompanied by a severe headache however in some cases the sufferer becomes unconscious in a short time. The prognosis for this condition is not generally good with a large number of people failing to survive more than a few days however in less severe cases a surgical repair can be carried out to the blood vessels provided that the condition is urgently and accurately diagnosed.

Most people who suffer from a brain haemorrhage have the warning sign of a headache, the severity of which they have never suffered before and as a result many visit their general practitioner or the accident and emergency department of the local hospital. It is here that most danger lies as this condition is often not recognised and the victim is sent home with analgesics only to be admitted unconscious a few hours later which in many cases is too late to prevent severe brain damage or death. In this case the examining doctor may have been negligent for failing to recognise the signs and symptoms of a ruptured brain aneurism which can result in a successful claim for medical negligence compensation.

Most people who have a brain aneurism do not know about it and even if they did know it would be unlikely to warrant preventative surgery. There are several different types of brain haemorrhage known as sub-arachnoid, extra-dural and sub-dural all of which can have fatal consequences if they are not adequately and urgently treated.

Treatment usually consists of surgery whereby the skull is opened and the ruptured blood vessels are clipped. This treatment is difficult work and it must be carried out by a skilled surgeon. Failure by the consultant to exercise a reasonable degree of skill and care can result in further injury or death to the patient. In these cases a claim for compensation for clinical negligence can also be made.

Our solicitors are all members of the Law Society panel of medical negligence experts which is open to less than 1% of UK lawyers. Panel membership is only open to those who can prove their skill, experience and specialist ongoing training in this complex and difficult discipline.

If you have suffered personal injury and you fear you may have been the victim of incompetence or negligence then there is no time for delay. In order to know what options you have you should seek expert legal advice as soon as possible. Our solicitors operate a free service whereby you can meet us in person or chat over the telephone with one of our friendly experts and obtain initial advice. If you subsequently decide to proceed no further then that is your right and you will not be charged for our initial advice.