Ectopic pregnancy misdiagnosis compensation: £24,000 settlement following delayed diagnosis

My client received £24,000 in compensation after an ectopic pregnancy was not diagnosed until her fallopian tube had ruptured, resulting in emergency surgery that could potentially have been avoided.

My client, Aimee, contacted NHS services after experiencing heavy bleeding and abdominal pain during early pregnancy. Following a positive pregnancy test, she became concerned that she might be suffering from an ectopic pregnancy. She was referred to an Early Pregnancy Assessment Clinic (EPAC), but instead of being examined in person, she received a telephone consultation and was reassured that she was most likely experiencing a miscarriage.

Over the following days, Aimee’s symptoms continued. She remained in pain, experienced ongoing bleeding, and later developed shoulder tip pain—a recognised warning sign of an ectopic pregnancy. Despite seeking further medical advice, her deteriorating condition was missed, and the true urgency of her situation went unrecognised.

When her pain suddenly became severe, she attended the hospital, where investigations confirmed that her ectopic pregnancy had ruptured. As a result, Aimee required emergency surgery to remove both the ectopic pregnancy and her left fallopian tube.

Discover more about making a compensation claim for late diagnosis of an ectopic pregnancy. 

We obtained independent expert evidence from a consultant in obstetrics and gynaecology, who concluded that Aimee’s care fell below an acceptable standard. When she first reported her symptoms:

• She should have been invited to attend the Early Pregnancy Assessment Clinic for an urgent, face-to-face assessment.
• Appropriate examinations and investigations, including an ultrasound scan, should have been arranged to exclude an ectopic pregnancy.
• She was given incorrect safety-netting advice and told to repeat her pregnancy test after 14 days, rather than within the 7–10 day timeframe recommended by NICE guidance.

Had these steps been taken, the ectopic pregnancy would, on balance, have been diagnosed before the fallopian tube ruptured.

Because the diagnosis was delayed, Aimee suffered a ruptured ectopic pregnancy and had to undergo emergency surgery to remove her left fallopian tube (a salpingectomy). This led to significant avoidable pain and physical suffering, alongside profound psychological trauma.

Medical experts concluded that, if diagnosed earlier, she would probably have been suitable for medical management before the rupture occurred, potentially avoiding the loss of her fallopian tube altogether.

We pursued a clinical negligence claim against the NHS Trust responsible for Aimee’s care. Liability was partially admitted, and the claim was successfully settled without the need for a trial. Aimee recovered £24,000 in compensation, which reflected:

• The pain and suffering caused by the delayed diagnosis.
• The avoidable loss of her fallopian tube.
• The psychological injuries she developed.
• The cost of future treatment for her psychological trauma.

Whilst no amount of compensation can undo what happened, the settlement recognised the significant physical and emotional impact the negligence had on her life.

An ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency. Prompt diagnosis is essential because delays can lead to rupture, internal bleeding, emergency surgery, and, in some cases, life-threatening complications. Healthcare professionals should thoroughly investigate early pregnancy symptoms, including positive pregnancy tests accompanied by abdominal or one-sided pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding, shoulder tip pain, or symptoms that continue to worsen despite an assumed miscarriage.

If warning signs are missed, investigations are delayed, or appropriate referrals are not made, you may have grounds for an ectopic pregnancy negligence compensation claim.

Our specialist maternal injury clinical negligence team has extensive experience supporting clients whose ectopic pregnancies were diagnosed too late. When

handling your case, we will obtain your medical records, arrange independent expert evidence, assess whether your treatment fell below an acceptable standard, and explain your legal options clearly while fighting to secure the maximum compensation available.

We understand that experiencing an ectopic pregnancy can be both physically and emotionally devastating. Our team provides clear, compassionate advice throughout the claims process, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we pursue your claim.

If you believe your ectopic pregnancy was misdiagnosed or diagnosed too late, contact our specialist team for a free, no-obligation assessment of your potential claim.