Bell Lax has specialist medical negligence solicitors who have extensive experience in investigating claims for misdiagnosis and delays in diagnosis of cancer. Often such claims can have tragic and in some cases fatal consequences. We fight hard to achieve justice and answers for our clients and leave no stone unturned in our investigations. We offer practical, sympathetic advice about the merits of your claim and handle all aspects of your medical negligence claim on your behalf.
We will be by your side every step of the way.
Delay in Diagnosis of Cancer
We have acted and continue to act for clients who have been victims of negligence which has resulted in a delay in diagnosis of cancer. In some cases a delay in diagnosis has meant that the prospects of successful treatment are reduced, or that more invasive treatment is required. In other cases, the outcome has unfortunately been fatal. We also understand the psychological impact and stress this puts on the individual and their families.
It is crucial that cancer is diagnosed at the earliest possible stage in order to provide the best opportunity for treatment and recovery. When an individual is diagnosed with cancer, it is essential that they are treated promptly and correctly. Some common mistakes that occur are:
Failure / delay by GPs to recognise early signs and make appropriate referrals
Failure / delay in arranging investigations
Failure / delay in providing treatment / surgery
Surgical errors
Misinterpretation / not reporting results
Failure to recognise symptoms. For example, the symptoms of bloating and feeling full in ovarian cancer is considered to be IBS
Whatever the reason, if a medical professional has failed to diagnose cancer within a reasonable timeframe and has provided a level of care that falls below a reasonable standard that would be acceptable to a responsible body of medical professionals in that field, then they could be guilty of medical negligence.
Cancer Facts
More than half of new cases of cancer are breast, prostate, lung or bowel cancer,
More than half of new cases of cancer in males are prostate, lung or bowel cancer,
More than half of new cases of cancer in females are breast, lung or bowel cancer,
(source: Cancer Research UK)
Some types of cancers that are capable of being misdiagnosed include:
Breast
Brain (Tumours)
Cervical
Gastric / Stomach
Testicular
Prostate
Bowel
Bladder
Lung
Ovarian
Lymphoma
Skin Cancer (Melanoma)
Kidney
Pancreatic
Thyroid
Oral
What can you claim for?
Every claim is different and the amount of compensation awarded depends on the extent of the injury and effect of negligent treatment on each individual. However, claims can be made for the following:
General damages for pain and suffering and loss of amenity
Loss of earnings and future earning capacity
Costs of personal care and domestic help
Loss of income for family / dependency payments
The cost of transport to and from medical appointments
Adaptations to your home and any specialist equipment you need
Future treatment costs
Funeral costs
Bereavement damages
The above list is not exhaustive. The compensation award will be reflective of the seriousness of the consequences of the misdiagnosis / delay in diagnosis.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer and have concerns regarding the diagnosis. Please call us for a free no obligation discussion on 0121 3550011.
We offer NO WIN NO FEE agreements and there are no fees to pay upfront or at any point during the case.
