Diagnosis Errors and When to Claim Compensation
Errors in the course of diagnosis can prove to be utterly devastating, in some cases life-threatening. If you or a loved one are struggling with the consequences of medical negligence due to a failure of diagnosis, contact Glynns Solicitors. Specialists in medical negligence law, we have the expertise to guide you through the complex process of making a claim for compensation.
Making a claim for compensation
If you are suffering due to negligent medical care, you are legally entitled to make a claim for compensation for the consequences of that negligence. The impact of a misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis can, in some circumstances, compromise a person's capacity to work, to support their family, to live safely in their own home and to maintain their independence.
Where such an appalling outcome is found to have been the result of negligent medical care, a successful claim would address issues associated with such an outcome such as a loss of income or the costs of care.
Negligence in the course of diagnosis
Errors in diagnosis can relate to a wide range of conditions from cancer, to spinal conditions, to bowel disorders and problems with the brain as well as numerous other issues.
Negligence may occur in a variety of ways including the following:
- A failure by a medical professional to carry out an examination when that would generally be regarded as necessary
- A failure to recognise the significance of the patient's symptoms
- Making a misdiagnosis, leading to a delay in diagnosis or to the initiation of inappropriate treatment
- A failure to make an appropriate referral
- A failure to seek a second opinion
Unfortunately, with regard to many medical conditions, time is a vital factor, and a delay in diagnosis or a misdiagnosis can prove to be the difference between recovery or partial recovery and a lifetime of disability.
Making a claim
If you are wondering if you are entitled to make a claim, contact a specialist solicitor at the earliest possible moment. Compensation claims are associated with a three-year deadline from the date of the alleged negligence and it is necessary to investigate the quality of your medical care well in advance of that deadline.
A specialist solicitor will be able to access the best medical experts who will analyse your medical records and identify the impact of any negligence on your health and well-being.
Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 or complete our Online Enquiry Form.