For many women, living with untreated or misdiagnosed endometriosis causes life-altering pain, fatigue, and emotional distress. Yet far too often, patients are dismissed, ignored, or misdiagnosed despite showing clear symptoms. A recent parliamentary report has attributed this pattern to “medical misogyny” – a systemic failure to take women’s health seriously.
If you’ve suffered due to a delayed diagnosis of endometriosis, or if your symptoms were ignored, you may be entitled to make an endometriosis medical negligence claim.
Being dismissed by a GP or gynaecologist despite clear symptoms is unacceptable and may amount to negligence. In some cases, women affected by gynaecology negligence could be owed thousands in compensation.
What is Endometriosis - and Why Does Misdiagnosis Happen?
Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue, similar to the womb lining, grows elsewhere in the body. It often causes severe pain, internal scarring, and fertility problems. Common symptoms include:
• Pelvic and abdominal pain
• Painful or heavy periods
• Fatigue and shortness of breath
• Bleeding in other areas (such as the bladder or bowel)
Despite affecting 1 in 10 women in the UK, endometriosis is frequently misdiagnosed as IBS, dismissed as normal period pain, or overlooked entirely. This often stems from medical misogyny and a general lack of awareness in women’s reproductive health.
The longer endometriosis goes untreated, the more severe the pain and potential complications – including fertility issues and long-term organ damage.
When Does Endometriosis Misdiagnosis Become Medical Negligence?
Medical negligence occurs when a healthcare professional breaches their duty of care, causing avoidable harm.
In endometriosis cases, this might include:
- Failing to investigate or refer a patient despite persistent symptoms
- Misdiagnosing the condition as another illness
- Delaying tests, scans, or treatment
- Poor follow-up or mismanagement after diagnosis
Not every misdiagnosis is negligent, but when a doctor’s actions fall below the accepted medical standard, you may have grounds for an endometriosis negligence claim.
“They just wanted to give me something quick, so I was out of there and done with. It is appalling that the only option I had to stop my gynaecological pain was the pill.” – Vicky Gibbons
How to Prove an Endometriosis Negligence Claim
Under UK law, you generally have three years from the date you became aware of the negligence to start a claim. Here’s how to build a strong case:
- Collect your medical records: GP visits, referrals, scans, and test results.
- Obtain expert evidence: A medical specialist can confirm if your care fell below the expected standard.
- Prove the harm caused: Show how the delay or misdiagnosis led to worsened pain, fertility loss, emotional distress, or additional surgery.
- Establish causation: Demonstrate that proper care would have prevented or reduced your suffering.
Our team at NJS Law can guide you through each stage, from gathering evidence to negotiating a fair settlement.
What Compensation Can You Claim for Endometriosis Negligence?
Compensation varies depending on your circumstances, but may include:
- General damages: for pain, suffering, and loss of amenity.
- Special damages: to cover lost earnings, ongoing treatment, and future care.
- Endometriosis-specific losses: such as fertility treatment costs, emotional distress, or repeat surgeries.
For example, if you were misdiagnosed for years and required major surgery as a result, your compensation would consider both your physical pain and the financial impact of your delayed diagnosis.
Every case is unique, and the amount awarded depends on the individual facts and medical evidence.
Why Choose NJS Law for Endometriosis Negligence Claims
At NJS Law, our specialist medical negligence solicitors have experience in women’s health and gynaecology negligence cases.
We understand both the medical and emotional impact of endometriosis and will handle your case with empathy and expertise.
- National Coverage: We handle cases across England and Wales.
- Trusted Reputation: Rated 4.8/5 on Trustpilot from 874 reviews.
Contact our endometriosis negligence solicitors today for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll assess whether you have a claim and guide you through the next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue for endometriosis misdiagnosis?
Yes, if your doctor failed to diagnose or treat endometriosis properly, and that failure caused you harm, you may have grounds for a medical negligence claim.
How long do I have to claim for medical negligence?
In the UK, you generally have three years from the date you became aware of the negligence to start legal action.
What if my treatment was private?
Negligence in private healthcare is treated the same as NHS negligence, you can still make a claim.
What if my endometriosis was misdiagnosed as IBS?
If this misdiagnosis led to worsening symptoms, fertility issues, or financial losses, you should seek legal advice immediately.
Conclusion
If your endometriosis was delayed or misdiagnosed, and you’ve suffered as a result, you may be entitled to make an endometriosis medical negligence claim.
Contact our specialist women’s health solicitors at NJS Law today for a free consultation. We’re here to help you secure the compensation and recognition you deserve. But, don’t delay, as limitation periods apply.
Thinking about a claim? Read about Medical Negligence Claims and how No Win No Fee works, or send us your enquiry.
No Win No Fee: The law limits our success fee to 25% of the compensation for pain, suffering and loss of amenity and for past financial losses, after any state benefits are repaid. Compensation for future losses is not counted. If you win, our success fee is deducted from your compensation. It is a percentage of our basic charges, and the law limits it as set out above. Any After the Event insurance premium is payable only if you win, and is never charged upfront. Your letter of engagement sets out exactly what you will pay for your type of claim, and we explain it before you sign. If you lose, you pay us nothing. This applies as long as you keep to your responsibilities under the agreement. You may have to pay costs if you end your claim early, fail to beat an offer the other side made, or a court finds your claim dishonest or exaggerated; where we have arranged After the Event insurance, it covers some of these costs if you keep to the policy's terms. See exactly what you pay.