Delayed Diagnosis Compensation Claims

A delayed diagnosis can have a huge effect on both the victim and their loved ones and in some cases can mean the difference between life or death. It can also be the difference between whether a person end ups permanently disabled, and what treatment they might have to undergo.

A delayed diagnosis can cause prolonged pain and suffering, potential future cost for both the victim and their family, and further medical treatment that could have been avoided. All of these things can have a detrimental effect both on the victim of a delayed diagnoses and their family.

How can a delayed diagnosis happen?

A delay diagnosis can happen for a number of reasons:

• Failing to refer for treatment at the early stages
• Failing to respond to test results at the early stages
• Failing to read reports
• Failing to spot key warning signs at an early stage
• Inadequate investigations being carried out

Examples of a delayed diagnosis include a misdiagnoses by a GP who fails to spot the signs of serious medical conditions, such as cancer, despite patients reporting associated symptoms; or a delayed diagnosis in Accident and Emergency when time to treat may be critical.

Making a claim

Where there has been a delayed diagnosis there is a chance of claiming compensation. If the delay of the diagnosis caused the death of the victim then the family could claim on behalf of the victim. If the victim of a misdiagnosis has had to endure prolonged suffering or multiple procedures, such as chemo or radiation therapy that could have been avoided, they could claim for this too.

Both the victim of a delayed diagnosis as well family members, especially if the victim dies, could be severely impacted by a delayed diagnosis. This could mean that they suffer psychologically from having to undergo treatment or family could suffer from losing a loved one. It could also mean that victims and their families are unable to work due to being so ill or having to undergo treatment so they suffer a loss of earnings. There is a lot to take in to account.

The size of the claim they are making can affect a claim as well. People have been successful in claiming thousands of pounds in compensation due to having delayed cancer diagnoses and delayed diagnoses that has also resulted in death.

We can help…

If you have been a victim of delayed diagnoses that has resulted in the prolonged suffering or the death of a loved one, then we can help! We specialise in medical negligence claims and may be able to help you. If you think you have been a victim of medical negligence we urge you to contact us and we can advise you on whether you have a claim.

Call 0800 634 7575 to get your claim started today.