Claiming Compensation for Failure to Diagnose Bladder Cancer
A delay in diagnosing bladder cancer can cause severe, if not catastrophic, outcomes. It may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation if medical professionals are to blame.
The effect of a delayed diagnosis
At its worst, a delay in investigating and diagnosing bladder cancer may mean that the patient dies. Tragically, this does sometimes happen and we have previously supported the distraught relatives in making a claim for compensation.
Where the patient survives, the permanent effects can be life-changing. A delay in diagnosis may mean that the patient requires surgery to remove the bladder, leaving them dependent on a catheter for removing urine from the body.
Surrounding organs and structures may also be affected, causing the patient to suffer additional pain and on-going problems.
The effects of chemotherapy may also have a long-term impact on the patient.
Diagnosing bladder cancer
If a patient attends their GP with possible symptoms of bladder cancer, it is important that tests are carried out and, if necessary, the patient is referred for further tests and scans to confirm or rule out a diagnosis.
Unless the medical professional considers all possible diagnoses, it is too easy for the patient to be diagnosed with kidney stones or a urinary tract infection when, in fact, they are developing bladder cancer.
A patient with bladder cancer may experience the following symptoms:
- Lower abdominal pain
- A burning sensation during urination
- Alteration of urination such as increased frequency
- Blood in the urine
At the least, the patient probably requires a urine test. But they may also need an MRI scan or a CT scan and a cystoscopy to check the condition of the bladder and look for any signs of cancer.
Medical negligence
If a patient attends their GP with the signs or symptoms of bladder cancer but fails to receive the appropriate tests or referrals, the medical professional may be regarded as having provided substandard care.
If the patient suffers long-term disability and financial problems, such as loss of earnings, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Legal advice
Contact Glynns Solicitors if you or a loved one are suffering due to a delayed diagnosis of bladder cancer.
We are a specialist medical negligence legal practice and will be very happy to help you.
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