Last Updated on April 29, 2026 by tanya

Missed Aortic Dissection Claims

 

About Our Legal Expert: This content is produced under the oversight of Michael Jefferies, First Personal Injury Director, who brings over 30 years of legal experience.

Written by Tanya Waterworth, Digital Content Writer

 

Your Guide to Compensation After a Delayed Aortic Dissection Diagnosis

You may have grounds to pursue a missed aortic dissection claim for compensation if you received below standard medical care resulting in the misdiagnosis and harm.

A missed or delayed diagnosis of an aortic dissection can have serious consequences. This medical condition requires urgent recognition and treatment, yet it is sometimes mistaken for less serious problems such as heartburn, muscle pain, or anxiety. When medical professionals fail to diagnose the condition promptly, patients may suffer avoidable complications and serious outcomes.

If you or a loved one experienced harm because doctors did not diagnose an aortic dissection in time, you may want to find out more on claiming compensation for medical negligence.

 

What Is an Aortic Dissection?

An aortic dissection occurs when a tear forms in the inner layer of the aorta. The aorta is  the large artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Blood forces its way through the tear, separating the layers of the artery wall.

This condition is ranked as a medical emergency. Without prompt treatment, it can lead to severe complications including organ damage, stroke, or death.

Common symptoms may include:

 

• Sudden, severe chest or upper back pain
• Pain that feels tearing or ripping
• Shortness of breath
• Loss of consciousness
• Weakness or paralysis
• Symptoms similar to a heart attack or stroke

 

Because these symptoms may overlap with other conditions, accurate diagnosis depends on careful clinical assessment and appropriate testing.

 

Why Aortic Dissections Are Sometimes Missed

Although aortic dissections are well known within emergency and cardiology medicine. In fact, the Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust highlighted that 33% of those suffering from an aortic dissection are misdiagnosed. Therefore, an aortic dissection may be missed if healthcare providers fail to recognise the warning signs or carry out appropriate investigations.

A missed diagnosis may occur if medical professionals:

 

• Dismiss symptoms without conducting proper tests
• Fail to consider aortic dissection as a possible diagnosis
• Do not order appropriate imaging scans such as CT angiography
• Misinterpret test results
• Delay referral to a specialist or emergency department

 

In some cases, patients are incorrectly diagnosed with heartburn, musculoskeletal pain, or anxiety and sent home without urgent treatment. These errors can allow the dissection to worsen, increasing the risk of serious injury.

 

When Does a Delayed Diagnosis Become Medical Negligence?

Not every diagnostic delay automatically qualifies as medical negligence. In England and Wales, a successful claim usually requires proof of two key elements.

First, the medical professional must have breached their duty of care. This means their actions fell below the standard expected of a reasonably competent practitioner in the same situation.

Second, the breach must have caused avoidable harm. In other words, if the diagnosis had been made earlier, the outcome for the patient would likely have been significantly better.

For example, a claim may arise if:

 

• Doctors ignored classic symptoms of aortic dissection
• A patient was discharged without necessary imaging or monitoring
• Test results clearly indicated a dissection but were overlooked
• Delays prevented life-saving surgery or emergency treatment

 

Medical experts usually review the case to determine whether earlier diagnosis would have improved the patient’s prognosis.

 

The Impact of a Missed Aortic Dissection

Delayed diagnosis can lead to severe physical and emotional consequences for patients and their families. When treatment is postponed, the dissection may extend along the aorta and disrupt blood flow to vital organs.

Patients may require complex surgery, lifelong medical monitoring, and ongoing rehabilitation. These effects can place enormous financial and emotional strain on families.

 

Who Can Make a Claim?

Several people may be eligible to pursue compensation following a missed or delayed diagnosis of an aortic dissection.

A claim may be made by:

 

• The patient who suffered the injury
• A parent or guardian acting on behalf of a child
• A litigation friend acting for someone lacking mental capacity
• The family of someone who died due to the delayed diagnosis

 

However, in fatal cases, relatives may bring a claim under the Fatal Accidents Act to seek compensation for their losses and the suffering experienced by their loved one.

 

What Compensation Can Cover

Compensation in medical negligence claims aims to place the injured person, as far as possible, in the position they would have been in if the negligence had not occurred.

In missed aortic dissection cases, compensation may include:

 

1. General Damages

This covers pain, suffering, and loss of quality of life resulting from the delayed diagnosis.

 

2. Financial Losses

Claimants may recover costs such as:

• Loss of earnings or future income
• Medical treatment and rehabilitation
• Specialist care or assistance at home
• Travel expenses for medical appointments
• Adaptations to housing or mobility equipment

 

3. Long-Term Support

For patients who develop lasting disabilities, compensation may also fund ongoing care and support needs.

The exact amount awarded will depend on the severity of the injury, the financial impact, and the long-term prognosis.

 

Time Limits for Making a Claim

In most medical negligence cases, claimants have three years to begin legal proceedings.

The three-year period usually starts from:

 

• The date the negligence occurred, or
• The date the patient first became aware that negligent treatment caused their injury

 

Because time limits can be complex, it is advisable to seek legal advice as soon as possible.

 

How Aortic Dissection Negligence Claims Are Investigated

Our partner medical negligence solicitors will carefully examine the circumstances surrounding the delayed diagnosis. This typically involves several steps.

First, they gather medical records and documentation relating to the patient’s treatment. These records help establish what symptoms were reported and how healthcare providers responded.

Next, independent medical experts review the case. They assess whether the medical care met accepted standards and whether earlier diagnosis would have changed the outcome.

Finally, the solicitor calculates the financial impact of the injury, including future care and rehabilitation costs.

If the evidence supports a claim, the legal team will pursue compensation through negotiation or court proceedings if necessary.

 

Why Specialist Legal Advice Matters for Aortic Dissection Misdiagnosis

Missed aortic dissection claims are often complex. They involve detailed medical evidence, expert testimony, and careful analysis of how the delay affected the patient’s outcome.

Working with a solicitor experienced in medical negligence cases can help ensure that:

 

• Your case is thoroughly investigated
• Expert medical evidence supports your claim
• All financial losses are properly calculated
• Your solicitor can handle discussions with healthcare providers effectively.

 

Many claimants choose no win, no fee agreements, which allow them to pursue compensation without upfront legal costs.

 

Taking the First Step After a Delayed Aortic Dissection Diagnosis

If you believe a delayed diagnosis caused avoidable harm due to medical negligence, seeking early legal advice is often the best first step. An experienced solicitor can review your circumstances, explain your rights, and guide you through the claims process.

Reaching out to a trusted claims company can make a significant difference when seeking compensation. 

We will ensure you receive all the support you need. Call us at 0333 358 2345 or contact us online at First Personal Injury to arrange your free consultation.

 

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Always consult with a medical professional and a qualified solicitor to understand your specific circumstances.