Anyone file a medical negligence claim?

[PinkSwoon]

I'm not sure where I stand really but for the past 6 years I've been visited various doctors with chronic lower back pain, my legs go numb & it feels like an electric shock when I put my right foot on the floor & every single one of them has palmed me off putting it down to my job, bad posture etc which I know is BS but they just wouldn't listen to me. A few months back I couldn't take the pain anymore so paid to see a private consultant who sent me for an MRI & I've just got a letter through today saying that he's booked me an appointment at an orthopaedic trauma & fracture clinic so I might have to have an op. Every doctor I've seen since has been shocked that my GP has ignored this for 6 years as am I! What do I do?

Demi x

 

[LAPirate]

I'm not sure where I stand really but for the past 6 years I've been visited various doctors with chronic lower back pain, my legs go numb & it feels like an electric shock when I put my right foot on the floor & every single one of them has palmed me off putting it down to my job, bad posture etc which I know is BS but they just wouldn't listen to me. A few months back I couldn't take the pain anymore so paid to see a private consultant who sent me for an MRI & I've just got a letter through today saying that he's booked me an appointment at an orthopaedic trauma & fracture clinic so I might have to have an op. Every doctor I've seen since has been shocked that my GP has ignored this for 6 years as am I! What do I do?

Demi x

I would search out a specialist in this area. My step brother is a medical negligence specialist and sits on many advisory boards.. I would google specialists in your area.. They will be able to advise you if you have a case and if they think you so will advise you what to do next... hope you get your back sorted

 

[AcidPerm]

Back pain is horrendous so I hope you get your back fixed ASAP.

I think you can shop around for advice in this area but I wouldn't get your hopes up too much.

Medical negligence claims are very tricky for several reasons but especially against a GP for a misdiagnosis unless the person clearly acted below the standard reasonably expected of someone in their position.

Quite reasonably, a GP isn't expected to have the same degree of knowledge as a consultant who specialises in one field of medicine so the fact that he didn't refer you might not necessarily be classed as negligent, in a legal sense.

 

[Lady Murasaki]

I think firstly you should speak with the practice manager at your GPs surgery as he/she needs to be aware you are unhappy with your GP and see what they can do their end with your complaint.

As the above poster said GPs are not specialists and they are only human at the end of the day.

I think you need to take a step back and try and resolve your issues with GP within the practice first. Also if your specialist says there is no long term damage done by you waiting 6 years to get the condition sorted