Meningitis compensation claims

Bacterial meningitis can occur when bacteria enters the body via the nose or mouth. In most cases these bacteria live in the body without causing harm. Sometimes – for reasons not yet fully understood – the bacteria cross into the bloodstream and cause widespread harm. Symptoms can include:

• Severe headache
• Vomiting
• Aching joints
• Fever
• Stiff neck
• Aversion to light
• A purple rash that does not fade when a glass is pressed against it

Some of these symptoms can be associated with less serious illnesses like flu. However, where there is a real possibility of meningitis, doctors should act urgently – ordering appropriate tests and beginning treatment without delay. Speed is vital, as meningitis can progress and cause serious harm within hours.

You can make a meningitis negligence claim if you or your child were misdiagnosed, your diagnosis was delayed, or appropriate treatment was not given in time. The key question is whether a failure by medical professionals directly caused the harm suffered.

In most cases there is a three-year time limit from the date of the incident – or from when you became aware that negligence may have contributed to the harm. Where the claim involves a child, different rules apply. We’ll always advise you clearly on the time limits relevant to your situation, so please don’t assume you’ve left it too late without speaking to us first.

There is a statutory time limit of three years from the date of the incident in which to bring a claim. There are exceptions to this – for example, where the person affected is a child, or where it took time for the link between negligence and harm to become apparent. Please speak to us as soon as possible so we can advise on the specific time limits that apply to you.

Fletchers operates on a No Win, No Fee basis – sometimes called a conditional fee arrangement. This means you’ll not pay us anything if we don’t secure compensation for you. If your case is successful, our success fee is taken from the final settlement amount and will be clearly explained to you throughout the process.

Depending on your circumstances, you may also need after-the-event (ATE) insurance before we progress your case. We’ll discuss this with you clearly before any costs are incurred.

Once your claim is accepted, your solicitor will gather the evidence needed to support your case. This typically includes:

• Medical records relating to the diagnosis and treatment of your meningitis
• Independent expert medical evidence from specialists in the relevant field
• Personal impact statements describing how your life has been affected
• Financial loss information, including lost earnings, care costs, and other expenses

You don’t need to gather this evidence yourself – we’ll handle that process on your behalf.

From the first conversation, our priority is your health and wellbeing – not just the legal process. We’ll explain things clearly, keep you informed at every stage, and work to make the process as straightforward as possible.

Where appropriate, we’ll also look to secure interim payments to help fund care, rehabilitation, or specialist equipment while your claim is ongoing. Our aim is to make sure you have access to the support you need as early as possible – not just at the end of the process.

Medical professionals may be negligent by failing to carry out the appropriate tests, misdiagnosing the condition or not making a timely enough diagnosis. In these circumstances there may be a case for making a claim if you or your child suffers harm as a consequence.