£1 million damages for meningitis misdiagnosis

Clinical negligence compensation of more than £1 million has been awarded after doctors failed to diagnose a boy with meningitis. Despite the fact the child was unwell for almost a week, doctors failed to spot the fact he had meningitis quickly enough and he was subsequently left with brain damage. The fact he had suffered a loss of power in his left leg and arm should have made it clear to doctors that he was displaying the signs of meningitis. He was granted a lump sum settlement of just over £1 million followed by annual, index-linked payments to pay the costs of his care for the remainder of his life. The NHS Trust admitted liability.