Can I make a claim for a cancer misdiagnosis?

Cancer treatments have advanced significantly in recent years and many types of cancer now have much better survival rates.

Being told you have cancer can be very upsetting and stressful, but often, if the cancer is detected at an early enough stage and you are referred for treatment promptly, you will have a much higher chance of a successful outcome.

However, unfortunately, mistakes do happen in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

If you have suffered a delay to your cancer diagnosis or your cancer was misdiagnosed, you may be entitled to make a claim compensation.

Our specialist medical negligence solicitor Daniel Green sets out some of the most important things to understand about cancer misdiagnosis compensation claims.

What is a cancer misdiagnosis?

Cancer misdiagnosis is sadly quite common. Many cancers share symptoms with other illnesses, and as there are more than 200 types of cancer, even the most experienced medical professionals can sometimes confuse your symptoms with those of other diseases.

There are two main types of cancer misdiagnosis claims.

1. Incorrect diagnosis – This occurs when your doctor misinterprets your symptoms and you are given incorrect treatment.

2. Undiagnosed cancer – This happens when your doctor fails to identify that you have cancer.

Can I make a cancer misdiagnosis claim?

Medical professionals have a duty of care to ensure that where appropriate you have the relevant checks and tests to assess and confirm your condition.

If this is not provided or results have been missed in some way, and your symptoms and condition get worse as a result, this may be due to medical negligence and you can make a cancer misdiagnosis claim.

You can contact our specialist medical negligence solicitors on 0800 884 0777 or email info@novumlaw.com and they will be able to advise you on the next steps.

How does cancer misdiagnosis happen?

Cancer misdiagnosis often occurs when proper procedures aren’t followed or when medical professionals fail to identify symptoms that they could reasonably be expected to. You may be able to make a medical negligence claim if the healthcare provider treating you:

– Did not carry out a sufficient examination

– Failed to carry out the necessary biopsies or scans

– Did not refer you for the recommended tests or scans

– Failed to diagnose cancer when your symptoms and test results indicated that you had the disease

– Did not refer you for the relevant specialist cancer treatment

– Provided unnecessary or incorrect treatment

– Failed to organise appropriate follow-up care

There are certain time limits to claim compensation after you received negligent medical care These may vary depending on the circumstances of your case. Generally, you have three years from the date of condition or symptoms worsening to make a compensation claim. In cancer misdiagnosis claims, this is usually three years from the date you learned your cancer was misdiagnosed, but it is important to speak to a specialist medical negligence solicitor as soon as possible.

If you have suffered as a result of a cancer misdiagnosis or there were delays to your cancer diagnosis, our specialist medical negligence solicitors can help you.

Our team has a strong track record in cancer misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis cases and can provide expert legal representation and rehabilitation support.

We offer a free, initial no-obligation chat to help advise you if you have a viable claim for medical negligence compensation and we provide a No Win No Fee service.

You can contact our specialist medical negligence solicitors on 0800 884 0777 or email info@novumlaw.com and they will be able to advise you on the next steps.