Medical Negligence Claims for Kawasaki Disease

Medical negligence claims for Kawasaki Disease are not uncommon as this is a serious condition and if left untreated, can result in severe consequences. Kawasaki Disease primarily affects children under the age of five years old and is considered to be one of the leading causes of acquired heart disease in children.

So in this regard, a delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis leading to medical negligence claims is seen as an avenue for distressed families who want justice and compensation.

If your family has been affected by Kawasaki Disease, Jefferies Claims may be able to help you.

What May Be Considered in A Medical Negligence Claim

Kawasaki Disease causes inflammation of the blood vessels which can lead to complications such as heart disease or artery aneurysms. This means early diagnosis and swift treatment can reduce the risk of these complications.

Medical negligence occurs when healthcare professionals fail to provide an adequate standard of care, leading to harm. In the context of Kawasaki Disease, negligence may include:

• Failure to Diagnose: If a doctor overlooks symptoms or misinterprets them, leading to a delayed or missed diagnosis.
• Misdiagnosis: Kawasaki Disease can be mistaken for other illnesses, such as scarlet fever or viral infections, causing incorrect treatment.
• Failure to Provide Timely Treatment: Delayed administration of IVIG can increase the risk of heart complications.

Common Symptoms of Kawasaki Disease

Early recognition of Kawasaki Disease is crucial for preventing complications. Symptoms develop in phases and may include:

• High fever lasting more than five days
• Rash
• Red, swollen hands and feet
• Red eyes (conjunctivitis) without discharge
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• Cracked, red lips and a “strawberry” tongue

If a medical professional fails to recognise these symptoms and delays referral to a specialist, this could form the basis of a medical negligence claim.

Compensation for Kawasaki Disease Medical Negligence

Successful claims can result in financial compensation, which may cover:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs
• Loss of earnings (if parents had to leave work to care for the child)
• Pain and suffering
• Travel expenses for hospital visits

The amount of compensation varies depending on the severity of the case and the long-term impact on the child’s health.

If You Suspect Medical Negligence

If you believe your child has suffered due to medical negligence in the diagnosis or treatment of Kawasaki Disease, take the following steps:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Ensure your child receives appropriate care for any ongoing symptoms or complications.
2. Request Medical Records: Obtain copies of all relevant records to review the treatment received.
3. Gather Evidence: Document symptoms, diagnosis timelines, and your communication with medical professionals.

Claim for Medical Negligence

A misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of Kawasaki Disease  is devastating for any family. At Jefferies Claims, we only work with lawyers who will assess all aspects of your case and who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis. This ensures no financial stress for you when it comes to making your claim.

Contact Jefferies Claims today at 0333 358 3034. Alternatively, complete our online contact form to arrange an initial no-obligation telephone consultation with a member of our expert team.