Diabetes Negligence Compensation Claims.

The Medical Negligence Team is recognised in Tier One for the West Midlands in the 2024 edition of The Legal 500, which states ‘The ‘approachable and collaborative individuals’ at Lanyon Bowdler are praised for the ‘time given to the client to offer reassurance and explanations’. A testimonial reads: ‘Lanyon Bowdler are a top quality clinical negligence firm, and head and shoulders above other regional firms in this sector. The team is excellent, and works on cases of all values. Claims are thoroughly investigated, and run with confidence’.

Chambers UK 2024 rank the department in Band One in the Midlands and state ‘an impressive practice group with a growing presence across the West Midlands. The team offers specialist advice across the full gamut of clinical negligence mandates, with particular experience in cases of surgical error, delayed diagnosis and failure to supervise those at risk of suicide. The firm is additionally skilled in cases relating to post-surgical negligence, brain injury and fatal claims.’

The symptoms of diabetes are similar to those of other conditions, such as high cholesterol and hypertension, so it may not always be easy to spot them. However, any of the following symptoms should warrant an urgent visit to your GP:

• Frequent urination
• Frothy/foamy urine
• Sweet smelling urine
• Extreme thirst
• Extreme hunger
• Unexplained weight loss
• Unexplained fatigue
• Increased irritability
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing wounds
• Frequent gum, skin, or genitalia infections

• Type 1 Diabetes: This type occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, which leads to the body producing little to no insulin. Type 1 diabetes is most commonly diagnosed in children and young adults, although it can develop at any age. Type 1 diabetics require lifelong insulin injections in order to regulate their blood sugar levels.
• Type 2 Diabetes: In type 2 diabetes, the body becomes resistant to insulin, or fails to produce enough insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. This type of diabetes is diagnosed most often in adults, although increasing numbers of children and adolescents are being diagnosed, especially in demographics with high rates of obesity and sedentary lifestyles. Type 2 diabetes can often be managed through lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, as well as oral medications, or insulin therapy.
• Gestational Diabetes: Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy when the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin to meet the increased demands of pregnancy. It typically resolves once the woman has given birth, but women who develop gestational diabetes have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
• Latent Autoimmune Diabetes of Adults (LADA): This is a type of diabetes which affects those in their 40s and 50s, and shares characteristics of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It involves an autoimmune response as in type 1, however, it tends to progress more slowly than type 1 diabetes, and is often misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes due to its late onset.
• Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY): This is a rare form of diabetes which develops before the age of 30, and is caused by a mutation in one of the genes responsible for producing insulin.
• Prediabetes: This is a condition in which blood sugar levels are elevated above normal levels, yet not high enough to be considered diabetes. Prediabetes is an early indicator that an individual may develop type 2 diabetes if the condition is not monitored and managed effectively.

If left unchecked, high blood sugar levels can lead to various health complications affecting the eyes, kidneys, feet, nervous system, and cardiovascular system. Thus, effective management of diabetes through medication, lifestyle modifications, regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, and routine medical care is crucial in preventing complications.

Diabetes negligence can lead to various physical complications, including diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS), neuropathy, retinopathy, cardiovascular issues, kidney damage, foot problems leading to ulcers/infections/amputations, and in some cases it can even prove fatal. In addition to physical harm, negligence can also cause emotional distress and financial burden for patients and their families.

If you have received substandard care for your diabetes management and have experienced health complications or adverse effects as a result, you may have grounds on which to make a medical negligence compensation claim. Our specialist solicitors can discuss the situation with you in complete confidence and assess whether or not you have a viable claim

If you believe you have been a victim of diabetes negligence, you should speak to a solicitor who specialises in medical negligence, and the team at Lanyon Bowdler are on-hand to assist you.

Yes – if you have suffered harm due to negligent diabetes care you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation. This can help to cover things such as medical expenses, loss of income, lifestyle changes, and home adaptations which have become necessary due to diabetes complications. A compensation award will also take into account the physical and psychological impact of the negligent treatment, including the pain and suffering endured, as well as lasting psychological effects such as depression or PTSD.

In England and Wales, there are time limits for bringing medical negligence claims, typically within three years from the date of the negligent act, or from the date when the negligence was first discovered. It is essential that you seek legal advice promptly to ensure compliance with these time limits. If you are unsure as to the validity of your claim, please don’t hesitate to contact us and our medical negligence team will be happy to answer your questions.