Mistakes made when treating or diagnosing prostate cancer can be devastating. If you’ve suffered because of medical negligence, Slater and Gordon’s specialist legal experts can help get the compensation you deserve.
What is a prostate cancer delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis claim?
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the UK and affects over 47,500 men every year. Where the cancer is caught early, prognosis is generally positive, and we’re fortunate in the UK that for the vast majority of people, the standard of care given is high.
However, mistakes happen, and substantial delays in diagnosis and treatment can lead to the cancer spreading and becoming much more serious. If you’ve suffered unnecessary harm as a result of misdiagnosis, delays in treatment or negligent care, you are entitled to make a claim for compensation.
How is prostate cancer diagnosed and treated?
Prostate cancer is usually diagnosed following various tests such as a urine sample, blood test and a digital rectal examination. The outcome of your blood tests may also lead to you undergoing an MRI scan, and if that shows a problem, you may also have to have a biopsy.
The treatment you receive will depend upon the size of the cancer, the grade of the cancer, your health, and whether the cancer has spread.
For more information about prostate cancer, the symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment, visit the NHS website.
What are the most common causes of delayed prostate cancer diagnosis or misdiagnosis?
On the whole, medical professionals provide patients with a good standard of care. However, there are occasions when mistakes do happen, leading to delays that can be life-threatening.
The most common causes of delays are:
Failure to refer patient to a urologist
Failure to read the symptoms correctly
Incorrectly staging the patient’s cancer
Complications during treatment or care that could have been avoided
Neglecting the patient or not taking him seriously
Mistaking prostate cancer for a urinary tract infection
Mistaking prostate cancer for an enlargement of the prostate
When can I make a delayed diagnosis or prostate cancer misdiagnosis claim?
If your diagnosis of prostate cancer has been delayed, either due to previous incorrect diagnoses or a failure to conduct follow up examinations, you could be entitled to make a prostate cancer misdiagnosis claim.
To do so successfully, you will have to prove that any delay or misdiagnosis made has caused you unnecessary harm and could have been avoided had the medical professionals responsible for your care not acted negligently.
If you think that a medical professional failed to fulfil their responsibilities, and their failure caused you unnecessary harm, contact us now and we'll be able to advise you on how we can gather evidence for your medical negligence claim.
I cannot recommend Slater and Gordon enough, throughout the entire period of the case, all the staff have been both very professional, and supportive.
Mr Q (medical negligence client)
Kept informed regularly as to how my claim was going, prompt replies to any questions I had, excellent customer service at all times. Excellent service from all staff that have been involved in my claim.
Ms S (medical negligence client)
I just wanted to say thank you so much for everything Slater and Gordon have done to fight this case for us. I appreciate it has involved a lot of people. Please can you also thank the expert witnesses who have provided their expertise and help.
Mr and Mrs H (medical negligence client)
If you’ve suffered because of prostate cancer misdiagnosis or negligent treatment, claiming compensation may not be the first thing on your mind as you and your family come to terms with the consequences. However, doing so can have several positive benefits, chief among which is funding further treatment to help alleviate your symptoms, as well as helping to provide for you and your family if you’re unable to work due to your illness.
The amount you receive will vary depending on several factors, such as the severity of your injuries, your future care needs and the impact your illness has had on your ability to work now and in the future.
How are prostate cancer claims funded?
The vast majority of our cases are funded by way of a conditional fee agreement, otherwise known as a No Win No Fee agreement. What this means is if you lose your case, you won't have to pay a thing and therefore, there’s no financial risk to you.
Our misdiagnosed cancer team are one of the best in the country and are highly ranked in independent legal guides such as Chambers and Partners and Legal 500.
The team are highly experienced in dealing with misdiagnosed cancer claims can provide you with the best possible service, not only ensuring that you get the best outcome to your case, but that you get the treatment and additional support you need to assist with your recovery. We’re committed to providing the best support from day one, which is way we also offer home and hospital visits to allow us to provide immediate representation and rehabilitation support; allowing you to focus on recovery while we handle your claim.
Frequently asked questions about prostate cancer misdiagnosis
How long do I have to make a prostate cancer claim?
You usually have three years from the date you first became aware you were misdiagnosed or were given negligent treatment to start making a prostate cancer misdiagnosis claim. However, there are exceptions to this rule. For instance, if you were unable to make a claim during the initial three years, whether due to physical or psychological injury, you could be entitled to make a claim within three years of your recovery.
A child under the age of 18 can also make a claim within three years from their 18th birthday, unless a parent or guardian has already made a claim on their behalf.
Can I claim compensation on behalf of someone else?
There are certain circumstances in which you may be able to claim prostate cancer misdiagnosis compensation on behalf of a loved one. For example, you may be able to do so if you are claiming for a child under the age of 18, or for someone who lacks the mental capacity to be able to bring a claim themselves.
For more information about claiming compensation on behalf of a loved one, visit our claims guide page here.
Can I make a prostate cancer claim on behalf of a loved one who has passed away?
Yes. If your loved one has passed away from cancer and it could have been avoided if they’d received the standard of care they deserved, you may be entitled to compensation.
Our specialists understand the difficulties faced when you've lost a loved one and will treat your cancer compensation claim with the utmost sensitivity and provide you with all the advice you need. Contact our specialists today.
Can I change my solicitors to Slater and Gordon?
If you or a family member have been seriously impacted by medical negligence, and you feel that you're not getting the specialist legal advice you need from your current solicitor, we'll be happy to discuss switching your case to Slater and Gordon. Simply call our experts on 0330 041 5869 or contact us online.
I cannot recommend Slater and Gordon enough, throughout the entire period of the case, all the staff have been both very professional, and supportive. Mr Q (medical negligence client)
Kept informed regularly as to how my claim was going, prompt replies to any questions I had, excellent customer service at all times. Excellent service from all staff that have been involved in my claim. Ms S (medical negligence client)
I just wanted to say thank you so much for everything Slater and Gordon have done to fight this case for us. I appreciate it has involved a lot of people. Please can you also thank the expert witnesses who have provided their expertise and help. Mr and Mrs H (medical negligence client)