CANCER MISDIAGNOSIS
Of all deaths in the UK each year approximately 26% are due to cancer. One of the most common compensation claims in medical negligence is due to the misdiagnosis of cancer. In recent years there have been significant progress in cancer research and treatment options and chances are survival are strongly linked to early detection of the cancer before it is given chance to spread. Not all forms of cancer can be detected early but many of the common cancers can be detected through screening and recognition of early warning signs. If a medical professional has not handled your cancer diagnosis correctly then a compensation claim can be made. An early diagnosis means in many cases an increased chance of recovery combined with less pain and suffering.
How can misdiagnosis of cancer occur?
Common examples of how misdiagnosis may occur includes the loss of medical records, misinterpreting medical records and scans, failing to refer to other experts where appropriate and not acting on the concerns of the patient.
More specifically, for breast cancer, periodic screening mammograms may not be ordered, the mammogram may be interpreted as all clear or the doctor may fail to follow up testing after abnormal mammograms with repeat mammograms, ultrasounds or biopsies of suspicious areas. For lung cancer, the failure to order chest X rays, or the misinterpretation of both X rays or CT scans can prevent appropriate and timely diagnosis. Similarly in prostate cancer, failure to examine the prostate or to order required blood tests may be considered negligent. In cases of colon cancer, your doctor may fail to perform faecal blood testing or conduct tests for colon cancer such as colonoscopy or barium enemas. There may also be a failure to conduct or interpret these tests correctly.
Equally, it has been seen that cancer has been diagnosed in cases where the patient has does not have cancer. This may result in unnecessary chemotherapy and radiation therapy causing considerable unnecessary pain and suffering to the individual.
I think I have a claim? Where do I go from here?
In such cases as those listed above, often the individual is not aware that a mistake has been made. It is therefore essential that you speak to a specialist as soon as possible. Ashton Lake Solicitors are specialists in bringing medical negligence claims. We are skilled in identifying what tests should have been carried out and when from both medical records and witness evidence. We will detect and prove negligent action on the part of the medical professional where they have provided a sub standard level of care. Our aim is to get to the truth of why the negligent action occurred and to obtain the maximum compensation possible. We pride ourselves in high levels of client care and will always progress your claim with sensitivity at every stage of the process.
If you wish to obtain a free claim assessment then please complete the online claim form or call 01509 262621 to speak to a specialist medical negligence solicitor who will be available to discuss your case further. We offer a wide choice of funding arrangements including no win no fee.
