Russell Jones & Walker’s specialist solicitors have expertise in complex claims where doctors have failed to diagnose a ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (known as ‘AAA’).

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

The heart pumps blood upwards along the ascending aorta, around a curve and then downwards along the descending aorta. Where the wall of the aorta becomes weak it can stretch and weaken (like a balloon inflating) to form an aneurysm. Pressure from the blood can then burst that wall. This is known as a ruptured aortic aneurysm. The condition is an emergency. If the patient is to survive the rupture must be diagnosed without delay and repaired by surgeons. Surgery can be very successful but prompt action is key.

Symptoms

More men develop aortic aneurysms to women and most are over 40. Warning signs are sudden pain in the abdomen spreading to the back, collapse, vomiting, falling blood pressure and a rapid pulse.

Treatment

Accident and Emergency doctors must be able to recognise the signs, arrange CT or ultrasound scans and then refer to surgeons urgently. Provided the aneurysm can be repaired and the procedure is done quickly, surgery usually saves lives.

Errors

Unfortunately errors in diagnosis can happen. Doctors may fail to spot the condition, confuse it with something else, fail to do the right investigations or not involve surgeons quickly. Mistakes are catastrophic. A patient who is not properly treated may die within hours

Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm errors: compensation claims

Russell Jones and Walker have a track record in recovering damages where patients have died as a result of hospital errors leaving the condition undiagnosed or not treated. In some cases awards have been substantial. In these difficult, complex and often tragic cases it is important to that your lawyers have the expertise to help you.

Please call 0800 916 9049 email enquiries@rjwslatergordon.co.uk or use the short online enquiry form. Our dedicated medical negligence solicitors can offer immediate and accessible representation anywhere in the UK.