Childhood cancer negligence

Childhood cancer negligence claims

Jade Scoble looks at the issues surrounding childhood cancer negligence claims

Approximately 1,900 children in the UK between the ages of 0 – 14 years old get diagnosed with cancer each year. While it is less common for a child to be diagnosed with cancer than an adult, the occurrence of cancer in children is unavoidable.

Although children usually develop different types of cancers than adults, treatment is usually the same and the cure rate for children’s cancer is much higher than it is for most adult cancers. The childhood cancer survival rate has doubled since the 1960s and more than 8 in 10 children in England now survive cancer for 5 years or more.

The most common types of childhood cancers are;

  • Acute Leukaemia
  • Cancers of the brain and spinal cord

Children can also suffer with lymphoma, muscle, bone or kidney cancers. It is important to detect cancer in children early, so they can be given treatment such as, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and stem cell transplant.

Symptoms

Symptoms of childhood cancer can sometimes not present straightaway, and they are similar to other childhood illnesses, so it is important to contact a GP if any of the following are occurring;

  • Feeling tired all the time
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Frequent or unexplained bruising or a rash
  • Abdominal pain or swelling that does not go away
  • Persistent back or bony pain
  • Unexplained seizures
  • Feeling short of breath
  • Unexplained high temperature and sweating
  • An unexplained lump or swelling anywhere on the body
  • They are unable to urinate, or have blood in their urine

Childhood cancer negligence claims

Although childhood cancer survival rates have increased, medical negligence can still occur, and this can cause serious or even fatal consequences for the children. Medical delays, misdiagnoses and incorrect treatments can cause the cancer to get worse, or to spread. And when this occurs the family may have an entitlement to bring a medical negligence claim for compensation.

Our specialist medical negligence team have been independently rated as one of the best in the UK and are experienced in dealing with these cases. We work on a No Win, No Fee basis and would be happy to provide a free review of your claim.

Free consultation

Call us on 0333 888 0412 for your free consultation, or email brief details of your case to us in complete confidence at [email protected]

Childhood cancer negligence

Free Consultation - Childhood cancer negligence

Get your free consultation by:

  1. Phoning our confidential helpline on 0333 888 0412
  2. Sending details of your case to [email protected]
  3. Completing our online form:

How to Start Your Claim - Childhood cancer negligence

Starting your medical negligence claim could not be simpler.

All you have to do is contact our friendly team for a free consultation. We will then walk you through the process. It's as easy as 1-2-3.

  1. We will assess the legal merits of your case, and tell you if we can assist.
  2. We will explain how No Win, No Fee funding works.
  3. When you are ready to go ahead, we will begin preparing your case.

What our clients say about us

We have over 1,200 reviews and an overall five-star rating on the independent legal review website, ReviewSolicitors.

Here is just a short selection of some of the reviews that our clients have left for our clinical negligence team:

Maddy Lawrence

“With the premature death of our eldest daughter, as it turned out, by clinical negligence, we were facing a very difficult journey both in proving fault and keeping heart and soul together. That we were able to, in terms of the fault element, was down to our professional legal team. They provided clear, calm and compassionate advice which got us through a horrendous inquest and subsequent legal maneuverers. They, in short, were magnificent and we are extremely grateful that we had them on our side.”

Great firm!

“I had an experience with Oliver Thorne who was nothing but helpful with settling my claim. He was very patient and professional as well as making sure I was happy and content throughout the whole process! Would highly recommend him if you’re looking for a solicitor!”

Compassionate, thorough, and outstanding legal support thus far

”Jade was incredibly friendly, taking the time to ask all the right questions and thoroughly investigate our case. Unlike previous solicitors, who dismissed us, Jade and the team at Slee Blackwell delved deeper and gave us renewed hope. We are extremely grateful for the dedication and professionalism in fighting for us. I would recommend Slee Blackwell to anyone in need of legal assistance.”

Mesh claim

“I cannot thank the team enough there understanding and empathy and the knowledge is outstanding. Caroline has been supportive every step of the way, she has informed me and kept me updated how the claim has progressed she has also had great understanding around my mental health and the physical damage I have occurred. I cannot thank the team enough. The team made this experience easier for me to deal with my emotional distress and pain.”

Thank you

“On behalf of all of us, we would like to thank you for your guidance, professionalism, humanity and kindness you have shown us all throughout this process. You have explained everything to us in clear and concise terms throughout and we are extremely grateful. We would have no hesitation recommending you and using your services in future. Thank you.”

Exceptional Service

“I have received expert advice throughout my case, the attention to detail is second to none. Their professional outlook and relatability means that I always recommend the firm. When I was unclear of any information or possible outcomes they took the time to speak with me on a personal level, confirming our conversation through email, I feel supported and understood and most of all they are empathetic, something that is often missing from large firms.”

Friendly, professional, knowledgeable.

“Oliver assisted me in the aftermath of my father’s sudden death in hospital. He helped me to draught my initial letter of complaint to the health authority, represented me and my mother at the inquest and ultimately succeeded in bringing a successful claim. I always felt I could approach Oliver with any questions and he would explain the legal processes in an understandable way. I would not hesitate to recommend him should anyone find themselves in a similar unfortunate position.”

Excellent solicitor

“I cannot recommend this firm highly enough and especially Caroline who is professional approachable and thorough, she works tirelessly and is a real credit to the firm, you are not made to feel like just a number as with other firms, it’s a pleasure to have such an excellent solicitor to represent you when you have gone through so much she is so understanding and knowledgeable.”

10 Reasons to Choose Our Team

  1. We are specialist clinical negligence solicitors who are recommended by the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners legal guides.
  2. We offer a nationwide service.
  3. We have a five-star ranking on the independent legal review platform, ReviewSolicitors.
  4. Team leader Oliver Thorne is an accredited AvMA panel lawyer.
  5. We have been awarded Lexcel accreditation by the Law Society for excellence in client care.
  6. We offer a sympathetic, understanding and refreshingly jargon-free approach.
  7. We believe that clients should be treated as valued individuals, not a number or just another problem to be solved.
  8. We have close links with independent medical professionals, and can therefore ensure we get the best possible expert input for your claim.
  9. We operate a medical negligence helpline which you can call on 0333 888 0412 for a free, no obligation consultation and case assessment. You can also contact our helpline by email at [email protected].
  10. We fund cases on a no win – no fee basis, so worries about legal costs should not put you off seeking justice.

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