Do you consider that your GP or a hospital doctor may have delayed diagnosis of a Vitamin B12 deficiency? If so, the consequences can be dramatic.

Contact our Medical Negligence Solicitors at Taylor Emmet

Or we can call you back at a time of your choice.

Clinical negligence usually causes an unexpected and serious breach of a patient’s trust in a medical professional. It also leaves people devastated through serious physical injury and emotional trauma.

On occasion, you may experience low Vitamin B12 or folates as a result of a poor diet or through a condition such as pernicious anaemia which can impair the body’s ability to absorb Vitamin B12.

The initial symptoms of vitamins B12 deficiency and folate deficiency anaemia may include:

  • extreme tiredness
  • a lack of energy
  • problems with concentration, memory, understanding and judgement
  • shortness of breath
  • headaches
  • visual disturbances
  • panic attacks

Symptoms might progress to include:

  • pins and needles, or tingling (paraesthesia)
  • numbness
  • cramps in the feet
  • muscle weakness
  • problems with balance and co-ordination (ataxia)

Usually a doctor should be able to diagnose your condition fairly quickly through a blood test which looks at your folate levels and/or your vitamin B12 serum levels. The treatment for low vitamin B12 is then usually simple, in the form of vitamin B12 supplements or injections called hydroxocobalamin. If you have folate deficiency anaemia, you might be prescribed folate acid tablets or to eat more vitamin B12-rich foods.

Sometimes a patient needs closer management from their doctor and it is not always reasonable for a doctor to stop your medication even if your symptoms get better, or if your blood test results improve. You might be referred to a hospital specialist such as a neurologist, haematomogist, a gastroenterologist or a dietitian.

The longer the condition goes untreated, the more harmful it can potentially be. In more severe cases patients may experience peripheral neuropathy (nervous system damage) which can mean a permanent numbness in hands and feet which will restrict your ability to walk and carry out day to day tasks. Subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord (SACD) is a rare but serious neurological complication of vitamin B12 deficiency affecting the brain and the nerves in the body. An MRI scan can help find these serious consequences.

Case Studies: Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Taylor Emmet have been involved in many cases regarding delayed diagnosis of Vitamin B12 deficiency. How much a case is worth will depend on various factors including the severity of injury, your loss of earnings and the cost of any additional care and accommodation you may need. In a recent case, liability was admitted by a local hospital and settlement was eventually agreed at £335,000.

Another case settled recently against our client’s former GP in the sum of £750,000.

Read full Case Study

Case Studies: Vitamin B12 deficiency from bowel removal

Our client, Mrs X had previously had an operation to remove some of her bowel, which meant her body found it harder to absorb vitamin B12 through her diet and put her at a greater risk of suffering vitamin B12 deficiency.

A number of years later, Mrs X suffered with symptoms that were classically associated with vitamin B12 deficiency. She experienced a loss of temperature sensation, fatigue, pins and needles and problems with co-ordination, so was given vitamin B12 injections every 6 months or so for about 5 years. Her injections were stopped after a blood test came back normal.

Read full Case Study

What can I claim?

The value of your claim will depend on a number of factors including:

  • The nature of the injury or illness
  • Whether your child (or you) recover fully from the injury or illness or if it has a long term effect on their health and wellbeing
  • The amount of any losses you incur as a result of the injury

You can claim compensation for the following things if they are a result of your injury:

  • Pain, suffering and loss of amenity
  • Loss of earnings
  • Medical and nursing care costs
  • Special equipment needed to carry out daily activities and any costs involved in adapting your home
  • Other expenses incurred as a result of your injury, for example, travel expenses incurred whilst receiving medical treatment.

Contact us to speak to one of our specialist lawyers in total confidence and they will discuss the details of your claim.

More Information

Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia symptoms – NHS.uk
Vitamin B12: What to Know – Webmd.com

Insights: Vitamin B12 Deficiency – the potentially serious consequences of delayed treatment

Usually a doctor should be able to diagnosis your condition fairly quickly through a blood test. The treatment for the condition is then usually simple, in the form of Vitamin B12 supplements or injections.

The longer the condition goes untreated, the more harmful it can potentially be. In severe cases patients may experience peripheral neuropathy which can mean a permanent numbness in hands and feet which will restrict your ability to walk and carry out day to day tasks.

Read the full Blog

We have legal experts near you

Our team of medical negligence specialists will get to know you and the impact that medical negligence has had on your life. Armed with this information, we’ll fight for the compensation you deserve.

0114 218 4000

info@tayloremmet.co.uk

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