Misdiagnosis Archives

Ectopic pregnancy: Medical negligence claims

Posted on 22 January 202224 March 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Failure to diagnose, or misdiagnosing an ectopic pregnancy can be very distressing for an expectant mother. If left untreated, an ectopic pregnancy can tear or rupture the fallopian tube, which is not designed to accommodate a growing embryo. An ectopic pregnancy can sometimes lead to severe, life-threatening internal bleeding.

National incident data from the NHS shows that between April 2017 and August 2018 there were 30 missed ectopic pregnancies leading to ‘serious harm’. The Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch (HSIB) carried out a national investigation into the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy which considered referral from emergency departments to early pregnancy services; the provision of early pregnancy services to diagnose and manage ectopic pregnancy; the information that women receive on discharge from the emergency department and made four safety recommendations.

Caring and sensitive support with Tees

Whatever your situation, our legal specialists are here to help guide you. Our expert clinical negligence lawyers can handle your ectopic pregnancy misdiagnosis claim from the initial consultation through to financial settlement.

Ectopic pregnancy misdiagnosis medical negligence claim

Doctors owe a duty of care to diagnose ectopic pregnancies and provide treatment in a professional and timely manner. An ectopic pregnancy misdiagnosis claim may arise whenever this duty is breached and the patient suffers injury as a result. Here are some examples of events that may give rise to a claim for ectopic pregnancy misdiagnosis:

misinterpretation of pregnancy test results such as blood tests and scans
misdiagnosis, for example, mistaking an ectopic pregnancy for a uterine miscarriage
failure to diagnose the condition when a woman presents with symptoms pointing to a possible ectopic pregnancy
a delay in diagnosing the condition causing a woman to undergo more invasive surgery than would have been necessary.

Gwyneth Munjoma, solicitor in Tees’ clinical negligence team, looks at the risk factors and associated symptoms – and what to do if you suffered from an ectopic pregnancy and believe that the condition could have been managed better by the doctors or nurses who attended to you.

What is an ectopic pregnancy?

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilised egg (embryo) implants and grows outside the cavity of the uterus (womb). Where an ectopic pregnancy occurs within the fallopian tube it is called a tubal pregnancy. A tubal pregnancy is the most common type of ectopic pregnancy. This happens when a fertilised egg gets stuck in the fallopian tube on its way to the uterus.

Normally, a fertilised egg travels down the fallopian tube to the uterus where it embeds itself and grows. An embryo stuck in the fallopian tube will not develop into a baby and your health may be at risk if the pregnancy continues.

In the UK, around 1 in every 90 pregnancies is ectopic. This is around 11,000 pregnancies a year. Depending on the stage at which the ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed, it can be treated using a drug called methotrexate or by an operation to remove the fallopian tube.

What problems can occur with an ectopic pregnancy?

Fallopian tubes can be damaged by inflammation or can be misshapen. Once an egg is fertilised it starts to grow rapidly. If a fallopian tube is damaged or misshapen, the rapidly growing embryo is unable to continue its journey to the uterus and gets stuck within the fallopian tube.

An embryo stuck in the fallopian tube cannot progress to a successful pregnancy, because it is restricted by the lack of space within the fallopian tube. As the embryo grows, the tube stretches and eventually may rupture; this can cause life-threatening internal bleeding, if not treated promptly.

Sometimes, an ectopic pregnancy will occur in other sites of the abdomen such as in the ovary, in the abdominal cavity or in the cervix.

What are the symptoms to look out for?

In most cases of an ectopic pregnancy, a woman will experience the early signs or symptoms of pregnancy, i.e. misses a period, breast tenderness and nausea. A pregnancy test will be positive. The first sign of an ectopic pregnancy may be pain in the pelvic area sometimes accompanied by light vaginal bleeding. Where there is internal bleeding the woman may feel shoulder pain as the pooling blood irritates the nerves. Symptoms may be variable, and a high index of suspicion should be exercised.

When should I seek help?

Seek emergency medical help if you think you are pregnant and experience any of the following:

severe abdominal or pelvic pain
vaginal bleeding
extreme lightheadedness or fainting
other concerning symptoms, especially if you have risk factors for an ectopic pregnancy.

What doctors have to consider

Ectopic pregnancy must be excluded for all women presenting with abdominal pain in early pregnancy. Successive reports into maternal deaths have highlighted the perils of not excluding an ectopic pregnancy in the circumstances.

Some things that make you more likely to have an ectopic pregnancy are:

Previous ectopic pregnancy. If you’ve had this type of pregnancy before, you’re more likely to have another.
Inflammation or infection. Sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia, can cause inflammation in the tubes and other nearby organs, and increase your risk of an ectopic pregnancy.
Fertility treatments. Some research suggests that women who have in vitro fertilization (IVF) or similar treatments are more likely to suffer an ectopic pregnancy.
Tubal surgery. Surgery to correct a closed or damaged fallopian tube can increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy.
Choice of birth control. The chance of getting pregnant while using an intrauterine device (IUD) is rare. However, if you do get pregnant with an IUD in place, you may be at increased risk of suffering an ectopic pregnancy. Tubal ligation, a permanent method of birth control commonly known as “having your tubes tied,” also raises your risk, if you become pregnant after this procedure.

Cigarette smoking just before you get pregnant can increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy. The more you smoke, the greater the risk.

What is the treatment for an ectopic pregnancy?

The management of ectopic pregnancies has shifted towards medical rather than surgical intervention. The drug methotrexate has been successfully used for many years now. Methotrexate kills the pregnancy cells and any pregnancy tissue is then progressively absorbed.

In the event that it is too late to use methotrexate, the affected fallopian tube can be removed through keyhole surgery (laparoscopic surgery). However, in cases where it is not possible to successfully remove the fallopian tube through keyhole surgery, the abdomen is opened (laparotomy) and the tube is removed.

Aortic dissection medical negligence claims

Posted on 18 November 202128 March 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Aortic dissection is a serious condition that can impact at any age.

It is essential that aortic dissection is detected early, as when treated quickly there is a very good chance of survival. Sadly, when delays in diagnosis happen it can lead to catastrophic outcomes.

Jacob Hassan was a father of two, who died after having an aortic dissection aged 62.

Jacob, a keen cyclist who regularly cycled 100 miles a week, had worked as a GP for over 30 years before taking early retirement. He lived in Cambridge with his wife, Sharon, and loved visiting his grandchildren in Indonesia and Australia.

His death followed a trip to A&E after Jacob had experienced intense chest pain. He was discharged with a diagnosis of “non-specific chest pain” without being offered the scan that would have saved his life.

What is aortic dissection?

Aortic dissection occurs when there is a partial tear in the aortic wall. The aorta is the main artery that carries blood away from the heart. If a tear develops, it can allow blood to leak into the aortic lining, which can create a false channel between the inner and outer layers.

Many of the symptoms of aortic dissection are similar to those of other heart problems like heart attacks. Usually, the first sign of an aortic dissection is abrupt and severe chest, back or abdominal pain. The sensation is often described as ripping or tearing.

How is aortic dissection diagnosed?

Aortic dissection is not common and it can also be difficult to diagnose. That’s why it’s so important to have a specialist CT scan. In Jacob’s case, this could have been performed on-site to provide a quick and definitive diagnosis. When diagnosed and treated quickly, the survival rate for aortic dissections is better than 80%.

According to the Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust, however:

33% of sufferers are misdiagnosed
2,000 people die each year from aortic dissection in the UK

Like Jacob, most patients with aortic dissection suffer sudden severe chest pain, which can settle completely after a few hours. Routine tests carried out in the Emergency Department can come back normal. Only a specialist CT aortogram can conclusively say one way or the other whether a patient has an aortic dissection.

Case study of failure to diagnose aortic dissection

Jacob’s story is tragic and his death avoidable.

On a cycle ride from Cambridge, Jacob had to pull over because he was breathless. For an experienced cyclist like Jacob, this was an unusual occurrence. That same evening, he complained of chest pains, telling his wife Sharon to call an ambulance.

By the time he arrived at Addenbrooke’s Hospital’s A&E Department his chest pain was intense. The triage nurse noted the pain was stabbing in nature and radiated to the back – both classic symptoms which should have alerted staff to the need for a CT scan.

Jacob was given painkillers and a chest X-ray but was discharged without being offered a CT scan. A common scenario with aortic dissection is that it can be dismissed because patient doesn’t seem ill enough.

The pain subsided but Jacob continued to lack energy over the next few days. Then, one evening, his wife Sharon returned home to find Jacob collapsed and unresponsive. He died later that night.

Classic signs of aortic dissection missed

The decision to discharge Jacob without offering him a CT scan, despite his unexplained chest pains, was a tragic mistake. According to the coroner, a CT scan would have led to a diagnosis of aortic dissection and saved Jacob’s life.

The Coroner’s Record of Inquest noted that “The presentation of chest pain being severe, sharp, and radiating to his back was indicative of acute aortic syndrome… and should have triggered CT aortography at the hospital which would have confirmed the presence of such a dissection.

“This would have necessitated emergency cardio thoracic surgical intervention and on balance, Jacob would have survived such a procedure.”

Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust failed to offer a CT scan and there was also a communication issue with the A&E department not being able to access to the electronic notes of the ambulance crew.

Seeking justice and raising awareness

With the help of Partner Tim Deeming in our medical negligence team, Sharon Hassan is proceeding with her case.

Once the Coroner commenced the inquest investigations, independent experts confirmed Jacob’s death could have been avoided if the cause of severe chest pain had been thoroughly investigated.

Through the case we aim to raise awareness of the effectiveness of CT scans in identifying aortic dissection.

As Sharon said: “Unless the Health Authority has a system to offer a scan to all those presenting with chest pain that cannot be explained by a heart attack, pneumothorax or pulmonary embolism, tragedies will continue” she said. “I just want to ensure no family has to go through what mine has.”

Tim Deeming, Partner acting for the family added: “It’s vital we raise awareness through shared knowledge. As a lawyer supporting families who have had such challenging circumstances, it is through shared experiences we can improve services and learn.”

“It’s about systems and it’s about support… we hope wider training can be provided about Jacob’s circumstances and we want to create a legacy so that CT investigations for aortic dissection are considered basic and fundamental to rule out.”

Medical negligence advice and help

Our medical negligence solicitors are devoted to achieving the support our clients and families need. If you or your family has been affected by potential concerns regarding your medical care, we can support you on your journey.

Tees secured a six figure settlement after client told of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy overlooked

Posted on 28 October 202028 March 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Devastated by delayed diagnosis: Emma’s ectopic pregnancy misdiagnosis claim

Emma was left heartbroken when a delay in diagnosing her second ectopic pregnancy resulted in the removal of her remaining fallopian tube, leaving her infertile. With the compassionate support of Gwyneth Munjoma, a solicitor in Tees’ Clinical Negligence team in Chelmsford, Emma pursued a successful medical negligence claim against the NHS Trust responsible for her care.

A hopeful start turned tragic

Emma and her husband Simon had been eager to start a family. After experiencing two pregnancy losses, including one due to a previous ectopic pregnancy that required the removal of one fallopian tube, the couple remained hopeful. With only one remaining tube, they were determined to grow their family, though the fear of further complications lingered.

Following her first ectopic pregnancy, Emma received clear medical advice: if she became pregnant again, she should seek immediate medical attention for close monitoring.

Misdiagnosis and missed opportunities

When Emma discovered she was pregnant once more, she quickly attended the hospital. At five weeks pregnant, she reported slight vaginal bleeding but no pain. She was reassured and scheduled for a follow-up scan in five days. Despite her concerns, doctors advised her to return only if her symptoms worsened.

At her next scan, no embryo was detected in her womb. Despite a positive pregnancy test, doctors concluded that she had miscarried. Emma was instructed to undergo blood tests every 48 hours to monitor her hormone levels. To her confusion and distress, each test confirmed that her hormone levels were rising, indicating an ongoing pregnancy.

A devastating diagnosis

Four days after her third hospital visit, Emma began experiencing severe abdominal pain and significant bleeding. She rushed to A&E, where further scans revealed the heartbreaking truth — she was experiencing a second ectopic pregnancy. Her only remaining fallopian tube had ruptured, necessitating emergency surgery to remove it. The procedure left Emma unable to conceive naturally.

Pursuing justice with Tees

Struggling to come to terms with their loss, Emma and Simon approached Tees for legal advice. Gwyneth Munjoma took on their case, determined to uncover what went wrong. Independent medical experts confirmed that Emma’s care had fallen below acceptable standards. Had her ectopic pregnancy been diagnosed earlier, appropriate treatment could have preserved her fertility.

Faced with overwhelming evidence, the NHS Trust admitted full liability for the failings in Emma’s care. Gwyneth successfully negotiated a six-figure settlement, providing Emma and Simon with the financial means to explore alternative fertility options.

Supportive and experienced legal guidance

At Tees, we understand how deeply personal and emotional medical negligence claims can be. Our experienced clinical negligence solicitors are here to provide compassionate, expert legal support to those who have suffered from misdiagnosed ectopic pregnancies and other medical errors.

If you believe your medical care has fallen below standard, we’re here to help. Contact Tees for a confidential consultation and let us guide you through the process of making a medical negligence claim.

All names have been changed to protect confidentiality.

Misdiagnosed ectopic pregnancy resulted in major emergency surgery

Posted on 27 October 202029 March 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Carol suffered a ruptured ectopic pregnancy after her symptoms were wrongly treated as a urinary tract infection.

Gwyneth Munjoma, solicitor in Tees’ clinical negligence team, helped her client to pursue a claim against the NHS Trust after her fallopian tube ruptured and had to be removed.

Carol and David were ecstatic when they discovered that she was pregnant. Like most modern-day women, to avoid any doubt and in a bit of disbelief, Carol carried out a few home pregnancy tests which were all positive. Things were going well until Carol was about 4-5 weeks pregnant. Out of the blue, she developed very severe pain in her lower tummy on the right side, her right shoulder tip and her rib cage. Her tummy also felt very bloated. Worried about this, Carol immediately attended A&E at her local hospital where she clearly described her symptoms and informed the triage nurse and the doctors that she was about 4 -5 weeks pregnant.

Sent home without adequate advice

Despite having no signs or symptoms of a urine infection, Carol was advised that she most likely had a urinary tract infection. The doctors completely ignored the fact that she was pregnant so failed to consider that the symptoms she had could be of an ectopic pregnancy (ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilised egg attaches itself somewhere outside of the womb (usually in the fallopian tube) and begins to grow). Carol was discharged home on a course of oral antibiotics with an extra course of antibiotics to take if after completing the first course the “urinary tract infection” did not resolve. Carol was not given any advice about watching out for the symptoms of ectopic pregnancy and returning to be checked if the antibiotics did not resolve her symptoms.

At home, Carol took the antibiotics as prescribed but continued to experience the same amount of pain. As advised by the A & E doctor when her pain did not resolve after completing the first course of antibiotics, she went on to take the second course of antibiotics.

HSIB found that a failure to adequately escalate care in pregnant mothers was a recurring theme in their 2021/22 Maternity Investigations.

With the symptoms that Carol had described, it is expected that a referral to a specialist early pregnancy assessment clinic and an ultrasound scan to confirm her pregnancy plus follow up blood tests every 48 hours would have been arranged

About two weeks later Carol suddenly experienced excruciating pain in her tummy, and pain in her ribs and shoulder. She felt nauseous, went pale and was shivering and sweating. Painkillers did not relieve her pain. She made an emergency appointment with her GP who suspected a ruptured ectopic pregnancy. The GP immediately arranged for an ambulance and Carol was blue lighted to a hospital different from the one she had originally attended. At the hospital, Carol was informed that she had suffered a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, was in a state of shock and needed to be operated on immediately. She was rushed to the operating theatre where severe bleeding in her tummy obstructed the surgeon’s view. The keyhole surgery was therefore turned into an open tummy operation. Her fallopian tube was removed, and she required a blood transfusion.

Carol found herself in a frightening and life-threatening emergency. She was devastated not only to have lost her much awaited baby, but also her fallopian tube, potentially affecting her future fertility.

How we helped

Carol and David contacted our medical negligence team as despite starting to process and recover from their traumatic experience they found themselves questioning the quality of care and attention Carol had been given by the healthcare professionals who had attended to her.

Gwyneth Munjoma, solicitor in Tees’ clinical negligence team, Tees Said “looking at Carol’s situation, I wanted to help Carol and David understand what had gone wrong and how her care could have been better, in the hope that lessons would be learned from Carol’s experiences and that no one else would face the same situation that she had in the future”

Carol made a complaint against the NHS Trust which was upheld.

Gwyneth gathered evidence and sought independent expert medical advice to support Carol’s claim. The independent medical expert advice as to the standard of care and treatment that Carol ought to have received which would have saved her fallopian tube. The expert further advised that if Carol had been given proper care and treatment, not only would her fallopian tube have been saved but also that she would have avoided the major surgery and the life-threatening situation that she found herself in.

A legal claim was then made against the NHS Trust. In response, the Trust admitted full liability for the substandard care accorded to Carol and the consequences of that substandard care.

Gwyneth negotiated a settlement for Carol who received enough compensation to enable her to access treatment to help her come to terms with what had happened and to positively plan for her future.

The care that Carol received raised several questions and the Trust’s early admission of liability was a welcome acknowledgement of what had gone wrong with the care given to Carol.

Caring and sensitive support with Tees

Whatever your situation, our legal specialists are here to help guide you. Our expert clinical negligence lawyers will handle your ectopic pregnancy misdiagnosis claim from the initial consultation through to financial settlement.

*All names changed for confidentiality

Tees settles misdiagnosis claim for £13,000

Posted on 14 March 201729 March 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

A misdiagnosis settlement involving a missed heart block diagnosis and its repercussions for patient safety.

Patient admission and diagnosis

An elderly man was admitted to hospital suffering from chest pains and dizziness. An ECG was performed, and the assessing doctor, who was in a junior position, diagnosed partial heart block. A suitable treatment plan was implemented based on this diagnosis.

Misdiagnosis and consequences

Unfortunately, the junior doctor’s interpretation of the patient’s ECG was incorrect. The patient’s heart had, in fact, been in total heart block, meaning it was not beating in the correct way. The appropriate treatment in this case would have been the insertion of a pacemaker.

Missed opportunities and patient deterioration

Despite the patient’s worsening condition, several opportunities for more senior doctors to intervene were missed. Three days after his admission, the patient suffered a cardiac arrest and died.

Hospital admission of error

Following an internal review, the hospital admitted that the patient’s treatment had been incorrect. They acknowledged that had his condition been diagnosed correctly, he would have survived.

Legal outcome

Tees law successfully pursued a claim on behalf of the patient’s estate. Liability was admitted, and our medical negligence solicitor Sarah Stocker recovered £13,000 in compensation.

Contact Us

For free, confidential advice on medical negligence, please get in touch with our experienced legal team.