Specialists in delayed diagnosis medical negligence claims
We specialise in delayed diagnosis claims, dealing with medical negligence cases nationwide. So, if you would like to know where you stand on claiming compensation then contact us for a free consultation with one of our medical negligence solicitors. Call our legal helpline on 0333 888 0412 or email us at [email protected]
Delayed diagnosis claims are often linked to cases of misdiagnosis, but a delayed diagnosis, can also be the foundation of a medical negligence claim in its own right. Early detection of a disease or injury can often be critical, and is sometimes the decisive factor in a patient’s prospects of survival.
We are experienced in dealing with medical negligence claims arising from the consequences of a delayed diagnosis. We are recommended by the influential legal guide, the Legal 500, and work on a no win, no fee basis.
Examples of delayed diagnosis
Here are some examples of how a diagnosis could be delayed:
- Where a GP delays in referring a patient to a specialist despite them presenting with symptoms that would warrant it.
- Failing to carry our diagnostic investigations when a patient’s symptoms required further review.
- Making a mistake in interpreting an X-ray, resulting in a delay in identifying the patient’s condition.
Health conditions most commonly associated with delays in diagnosis include:
- Cancer
- Stroke
- Meningitis
- Diabetes
- Orthopaedic fractures
- Parkinson’s disease
- IBS
- Multiple sclerosis
- Heart attacks
- Sepsis
Claims can be made against a full range of healthcare professionals. So, negligence claims can be pursued against GPs and doctors, nurses, dentists, opticians, and therapists. Furthermore, we can deal with claims against private healthcare providers, as well as the NHS.
The consequences of delayed diagnosis
The consequences of delayed diagnosis vary from case to case according to the particular disease, illness, or injury in question. Potential outcomes arising as a result of delay include:
- Progression of a disease such as ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer to a later stage, or causing it to spread to other areas of the body.
- Amputation, such as where a diabetic conditions go untreated.
- Delayed recovery from a fracture, or serious complications affecting the patient’s ability to heal.
- Threats to a patient’s life, such as where sepsis, cauda equina, or meningitis goes undetected.
- Paralysis in stroke patients
To make a claim, our medical negligence solicitors will need to establish a causal connection between the delay in the diagnosis and the harm that is being alleged. Expert medical evidence will often be required to establish that the delayed diagnosis impacted the outcome. If this is necessary, we will arrange for you to be seen by a top medical expert who will then prepare a detailed report on the consequence of the delay in your diagnosis and its impact on your health.
We are proud of our track-record of successfully dealing with medical negligence claims based on diagnostic delays. There are many real-life case studies on this website about delayed diagnosis and misdiagnosis, including one about our client who received £50,000 compensation for his doctor’s failure to diagnose diabetes.
Free consultations about delayed diagnosis claims
Our medical accident lawyers, who have been rated as one of the best teams in the UK, will be pleased to provide you with a free consultation.
Because we work on a no win, no fee basis, and fund all case expenses (including expert medical reports) you do not need to worry about legal costs, and have nothing to lose by contacting us for a free case review.
Call our dedicated legal helpline for a free consultation and details of no win, no fee funding on 0333 888 0412, or send an email to us at [email protected].