Medical Negligence

Meningitis brain injury claims

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Meningitis can develop quickly. When warning signs are missed or treatment is delayed, the consequences can be life-changing for the person affected and those close to them. If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury following delayed diagnosis or treatment of meningitis, our specialist solicitors can help you understand what happened and whether you may have a claim.

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What is meningitis?

Meningitis is inflammation of the protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord. It is most often caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Bacterial meningitis is less common than viral meningitis, but it is a medical emergency and needs urgent hospital assessment and treatment.

Symptoms can appear suddenly and in any order. They may include a high temperature, severe headache, stiff neck, vomiting, sensitivity to light, confusion, unusual sleepiness, seizures, and a rash that does not fade under pressure. Not everyone develops every symptom or a rash. Babies and young children may also feed poorly, have an unusual high-pitched cry, become floppy or unresponsive, or develop a bulging soft spot on the head.

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Your Key Contact

Ipek Tugcu

Head of Adult Brain Injury

Ipek is a leading brain injury specialist experienced in complex delayed-diagnosis claims, including meningitis cases, providing clear, compassionate support to clients and families.

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How meningitis can cause a serious injury

Many people recover from meningitis, but a severe infection or delay in treatment can cause lasting damage to the brain, nervous system and other parts of the body. The impact will be different for every person and may include:

acquired brain injury, affecting memory, concentration, communication, behaviour or decision-making
hearing loss or damage to vision
epilepsy or seizures
weakness, paralysis, impaired balance or reduced mobility
sepsis, tissue damage or limb loss
learning, developmental or educational difficulties in children
fatigue, pain and psychological effects
a need for ongoing care, therapy, equipment or an adapted home

When might delayed meningitis care amount to medical negligence?

Not every serious injury that is followed byg meningitis is caused by negligence. A claim may be possible where the care provided fell below a reasonable standard and this caused avoidable injury, or made the injury materially worse. Examples may include:

warning signs were not recognised or taken seriously
meningitis was mistaken for a less serious illness without appropriate review or safety-netting
there was an avoidable delay in referral or transfer to hospital
appropriate tests or senior clinical review were not arranged promptly
antibiotic treatment for suspected bacterial meningitis was delayed
test results or a clear deterioration were not acted on
recommended follow-up, including hearing assessment or rehabilitation, was not arranged

The 2024 NICE guideline on bacterial meningitis and meningococcal disease is designed to help healthcare professionals recognise the condition and treat it quickly and effectively. Whether different care would probably have changed the outcome is a medical question. We investigate this carefully with independent experts rather than making assumptions.

How a meningitis claim can help

A claim is not only about compensation. Where possible, we will look for ways to secure early financial support and access to care and therapies while the case is ongoing. Depending on your needs, a claim could help with:

specialist rehabilitation including physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy
neuropsychology, counselling and emotional support
professional care, case management and family support
hearing technology, mobility aids and other specialist equipment
adaptations to your home or a more suitable property
education, vocational support and loss of earnings
future care and treatment needs

Why choose Bolt Burdon Kemp?

We are specialists in complex medical negligence and serious injury claims. Our brain injury solicitors understand that the legal case is only one part of what you and your family are facing. We take time to listen, explain each stage clearly and build the case around your needs now and in the future.

Our clinical negligence team is ranked in Tier 2 in The Legal 500 2026 and recommended by Chambers & Partners 2026 (Band 3). Bolt Burdon Kemp is also listed in The Times Best Law Firms 2026 and holds the Law Society’s Lexcel practice management accreditation.

Our team has represented people whose lives were changed by failures to diagnose and treat meningitis. In one case, we secured £10.5 million for a client who sustained a catastrophic brain injury, including paralysis, blindness and serious mobility, communication and learning difficulties. The settlement helped provide lifetime private care, specialist therapies and an adapted family home. You can read more about our experience in our article on delayed diagnosis of meningitis.

What happens when you contact us?

We listen to what happened. Your first conversation is confidential and without obligation.
We review the evidence. If we can help, we obtain the relevant records and build a detailed timeline of the care provided.
Independent experts advise. They consider whether the care was reasonable and whether any failings caused avoidable harm.
We plan around your needs. We assess rehabilitation, care, accommodation, education, work and future support with appropriate specialists.
We keep you informed. We explain important decisions clearly and work at a pace that takes account of your circumstances.

Most medical negligence claims we take on are funded through a conditional fee agreement, commonly known as “no win, no fee”. We will explain the funding options and any potential costs before you decide whether to proceed.

Talk to our specialist brain injury claims solicitors

If you would like to talk about what happened, contact us for a free, confidential and no-obligation conversation. We will listen, answer your questions and explain the options available to you, with no pressure to take matters further.

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Client Journeys

£10.5 million for client who suffered a brain injury due to failure to treat meningitis

We secured £10.5 million for Aria, whose life was changed by a delayed diagnosis and treatment of meningitis. The negligence caused a catastrophic brain injury, leaving her with paralysis, blindness and significant communication, mobility and learning difficulties, requiring 24-hour care.

After taking over the claim from another firm, our specialist team secured a settlement that provides lifelong care, specialist therapies and an adapted home, ensuring long-term security and support for Aria and her family.

Meet your Brain Injury Solicitors

Clients select the firm they feel is right for them, but they stay because of the solicitor. Our people pride themselves on being approachable, empathetic and realistic.

We go beyond legal advice, whether it’s visiting clients at home or being available for reassurance and support, we’re here when it matters most.

Why Bolt Burdon Kemp?

Ipek Tugcu

Head of Adult Brain Injury

Caroline Klage

Head of Brain Injury

Claudia Hillemand

Head of Child Brain Injury

Frequently asked questions about meningitis

Can I claim if meningitis was diagnosed late?

You may be able to claim if there was an avoidable failure in your care and earlier diagnosis or treatment would probably have prevented the injury or made it less severe. A specialist solicitor can arrange an independent review of the evidence.
How long do I have to make a claim?

In England and Wales, the usual time limit is three years from the date of the negligence or the date you first knew that negligent care may have caused a significant injury. Different rules apply to children and to people who lack mental capacity. There are exceptions, so it is sensible to seek advice as soon as you can.
Can I make a claim for my child?

Yes. A parent or another suitable adult can usually bring a claim on a child’s behalf. Any settlement for a child must be approved by the court, which helps protect their interests.
Can you help if someone has died from meningitis?

We are very sorry if meningitis has taken someone close to you. We can advise on investigating the care they received, the inquest process where relevant, and whether a claim may be possible. We will approach the conversation sensitively and give you time to decide what feels right.
What information should I have before calling?

You do not need to have all the records or know exactly what went wrong. It helps if you can tell us roughly when and where the care took place, what symptoms were reported, when meningitis was diagnosed and how the injury has affected daily life. We can explain what else may be needed.

Our Insights

Delayed diagnosis of meningitis: How a legal claim can help

Following recent reports of a rise in meningitis among young adults and students in England, it is a timely reminder of the importance of obtaining…

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Meningitis: The symptoms to look out for

I have read recent reports of people not seeking medical attention as a result of the current pandemic. This has caused me to consider some…

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Is your medical treatment negligent? There are many different strains and causes of meningitis. Meningitis B is the most commonly suffered strain. The UK will…

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New University Students Need to be Aware of Meningitis Risk

The Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) have reported that students who have recently gained places at University need to be aware of the dangers of meningitis…

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keith monaghan

I can say to this point in case they have been there surporting me. Julia very helpful and friendly. And have organised well to get us over the line. We won our part 36 .so technically the case is over. I did take advice from them but feel in my case. it right decision. I realise they are a business and have to earn money like everyone . Everything they said. They would do .. Case took a long time .but I think this quite normal under our circumstances. I have been awarded compensation and im hoping they deal with swiftly and put the cherry on the cake
It is important they make sure this is done after all the hard work they put in and what I had to go through. Julia allways ask me what I wanted to do. Yes she would give me advice but bottom line It my choice.
I would advice anyone out there who looking for a good solicitors firm to speak to these guys. I'm actually 24 hours away on flight
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So well done big Thanks
Bolt burden Kemp .special thanks to Julia for she did for me.

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