Cancer Misdiagnosis Claims

Claim Compensation For The Misdiagnosis Of Cancer

Cancer is a word that strikes fear into most people. While these days many variations and types of cancer can be treated or indeed cured, it still has a stigma of terror about it as almost everyone knows or knows of someone who has been affected by it. While being told that you have cancer to subsequently find out that you haven’t is shocking, surely it is even worse to be told that you don’t have it, only to find out later that you do, and that now it is too late to treat it.

Some cancers are more commonly misdiagnosed than others; Breast cancer for example can sometimes be suspected when in fact the lump that has been found is benign (non-cancerous), or in some cases breast inflammation and fibrocystic disease can appear similar to the early signs of cancer. In cases such as these we rely on medical professionals to use their knowledge and training to ensure they make a correct diagnosis and implement an effective treatment plan.

The early symptoms of lung cancer often include a shortness of breath and coughing; symptoms that are common in many less serious ailments. Proper investigations of previous health, work history and a variety of other factors should be taken into account when dealing with any such serious condition to avoid missing a diagnosis, or misdiagnosing lung cancer.

The early signs of Pancreatic Cancer can often be mistaken for gallstones, pancreatitis or even IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). Sadly in many cases of pancreatic cancer very little can be done to treat the condition once it has taken hold. Colorectal cancer can also be confused with the symptoms from IBS, haemorrhoids or colitis.

In the last eight years the NHS has paid out nearly £50 million in compensation after claims that specialists were negligent when they failed to identify and treat cancer in almost 700 patients. The average pay-out was around £65,000 but in some cases the sums have been far larger – up to £1 million.

In one example a 43-year-old mother of two died after a hospital consultant failed to notice the return of a rare form of tongue cancer. The judge ruled that she would most likely have survived if the correct diagnosis had been made in time. The compensation bill in that instance was more than £3 million.

Another example features a gentleman who had previously had an operation to treat rectal cancer. Two years later he returned to hospital due to pains in his abdomen. The doctors diagnosed him as suffering from a recurrence of the previous cancer when in fact it was an infection, not the cancer that was causing the issues. Because of the delays in treatment he required multiple surgeries and remained in hospital for months. He received over £200,000 in compensation.

If you or someone you care for has suffered as a result of cancer being misdiagnosed, or a cancer diagnosis being missed, you could well be eligible to make a claim for compensation. Contact our team of highly trained and experienced solicitors today to see how we can help you get the pay-out you and your family deserve.