It is no exaggeration to say that 20-30 per cent of cases handled by our medical negligence solicitors involve some form of delayed diagnosis.
Delays by GPs and hospitals are always distressing. In the case of cancer they can be fatal. 
So we welcome a proposed new cancer target – that 95 per cent of patients should be given a diagnosis or the all-clear within 28 days.
The Independent Cancer Taskforce’s proposals are an important step forward, even if they come are a few qualifications:
- they are still only at the recommendation stage and would not come into force until 2020
- they would be trialled in five hospitals before going nationwide
- hitting the target depends on an extra £300 million of funding per year and the recruitment of specialist clinical staff.
I am currently dealing with a tragic case of delayed diagnosis – a Hampshire mother who died of breast cancer in her late 30s after her GP failed to act swiftly enough.
Her family is due to receive at least £400,000 in compensation. We are also referring the case to the General Medical Council to ensure that the GP does not make any further errors.
No payout can ever compensate the victim’s family for their loss but it will at least help to ensure their financial security.
Claiming compensation for late diagnosis or misdiagnosis of cancer may sound complex and onerous but it is not – our experienced clinical negligence solicitors handle all the paperwork.
Claims are made on a No Win No Fee basis so there is no risk to the victim. There are no costs in advance. We take care of all that.
Are you or one of your loved ones suffering because a GP or hospital has been slow to diagnose or treat your medical condition?
Get expert help from Coles Miller. Our specialist solicitors are listed in the UK Legal 500 guide for their expertise in handling serious personal injury compensation cases.
For more information, contact Coles Miller Partner David Simpson who leads our Clinical Negligence team.
