Callum's Story - Delay in Diagnosis of Meningitis

Callum developed a severe infection about a month after he was born. He developed a very high temperature and was irritable when he was handled. Eventually, he was referred to hospital by the midwife. On arrival it was clear that Callum's condition was deteriorating. The medical staff suspected meningitis but he didn't have a rash nor were his anterior fontanelle (an area of the head) swollen with fluid. It was therefore decided that he probably didn't have meningitis. A lumbar puncture was however also taken so that a diagnosis could be definitely ruled out. It was sent up to the laboratory for immediate attention but there was a significant delay of several hours during which time Callum's condition deteriorated further. The test results confirmed that Callum did infact have meningitis and antibiotics were then given. Unfortunately, the delay turned out to be crucial. As a consequence of the delay in treating the meningitis, septicaemia (blood poisoning) had developed.

Over the next day, he had 4 seizures, and had to be taken to the neonatal intensive care unit. Brain scans indicated that Callum had suffered a brain injury as a result of the illness' effects upon his system.

Subsequent scans have indicated that as a result of the illness Callum's brain has failed to grow properly. He has made a good recovery but has been left with severe learning disabilities. He is very clumsy in his movements, and suffers from behavioural difficulties. He has been taken out of mainstream education. He will require a high level of care for the rest of his life.

This was a complex case and when we obtained the medical records we noticed that there were some peculiarities in Callum's care. Most notably was the fact that although a lumbar puncture was sent to the laboratory for analysis, the proper procedure was not followed which resulted in the delay to the results and thus a delay in Callum's treatment.

The clinical negligence team at Bond Pearce were able to show that Callum should have been treated more promptly and that antibiotics should have been started a couple of hours before they were. But they still had to also prove that an earlier intervention would have prevented Callum's lasting injuries. Because meningitis and septicaemia in newborn babies carries such a poor prognosis, this was also complex. However by liaising with medical experts we were able to establish that Callum would probably have pulled through with little or no harm had the treatment started sooner.

If you would like to seek expert legal advice relating to this case study or any other injury claim please complete the online enquiry form or call 0800 915 4650.

If you would like to seek expert legal advice relating to this case study or any other injury claim please complete the online enquiry form or call 0800 915 4650