Skin cancer delayed diagnosis and misdiagnosis claims
If medical mistakes are made, causing delays to the treatment or diagnosis of skin cancer, it can have life-threatening effects. 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 skin cancer delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis claim?
Being diagnosed with skin cancer can be a stressful, emotional and traumatic time for you and your family, and it is vital that you are able to access the best possible care to ensure a good chance of recovery.
The last thing anyone expects to happen is to be let down by the medical professionals who are there to help us, but mistakes do happen. Delays in diagnosis or misdiagnosis can have serious consequences, and significantly affect your prognosis.
No amount of compensation can change what has happened to you, or change your diagnosis, but it can help to support you and your family throughout your recovery. Our medical negligence solicitors are experts in skin cancer misdiagnosis claims and are here to help you when you need it most.
What are the different types of skin cancer?
There are two main types of skin cancer; melanoma and non-melanoma.
Non-melanoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It is less aggressive than melanoma and can almost always be treated effectively. Non-melanoma skin cancer is a collective term for various types of cancer, the most common of which are basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer.
Melanoma is a much more aggressive skin cancer that develops from skin cells called melanocytes. If a doctor suspects you could have melanoma, this should be referred to specialists for further tests within two weeks.
Regardless of the type of cancer you have, it is crucial that you receive a referral in a timely manner to ensure your treatment has the best possible chance at producing a good outcome. If you feel that the medical professionals responsible for your treatment have caused unnecessary delays or a misdiagnosis has impacted your treatment, get in touch with our team today.
What mistakes can lead to a delay in diagnosing skin cancer, or skin cancer misdiagnosis?
Slight delays in diagnosing melanoma are unlikely to make much of a difference to the outcome of your condition. However, when there are significant delays, skin cancer is likely to grow and could spread to other parts of the body. Significant delays can result from a number of mistakes that lead to misdiagnosed skin cancer, such as:
Not recognising the symptoms, such as a mole or lump bleeding or hurting, changing colour, growing in size or having an asymmetrical shape
Failing to carry out appropriate tests
Mistakes in interpreting the test results
Prescribing inappropriate treatments, or delaying treatment due to misdiagnosis or a failure to diagnose
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)
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)
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)
If diagnosed and treated quickly, the chances of recovering from skin cancer are good. However, if there are substantial delays, the cancer may grow or spread and can become life-threatening. If there have been unnecessary delays which have caused your skin cancer to worsen, you may be able to claim compensation for skin cancer.
The majority of our skin cancer cases are funded by way of a No Win No Fee agreement, which means if you lose your case, you won’t have to pay anything, so there’s no financial risk to you.
Why should I choose Slater and Gordon?
Our cancer negligence 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 delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosed cancer claims and 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 skin cancer misdiagnosis
How long do I have to make a skin 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 cancer 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 skin cancer compensation on behalf of someone else?
There are certain circumstances in which you may be able to make a skin cancer compensation claim 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.
Can I make a skin cancer claim on behalf of a loved one who has passed away?
Yes. If your loved one has passed away from skin 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)
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)
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)