Claiming Compensation for Prostate Cancer Negligence
Whilst many men with prostate cancer may not need treatment due to its slow growth, some men may experience a more aggressive version of this disease and timely and effective medical management is crucial to their long-term well-being.
Delayed diagnosis and treatment
A delay in diagnosing significant prostate cancer can allow time for the cancer to spread beyond the prostate gland itself and start to affect other areas of the man's body.
This can affect his chance of long-term survival as well as impacting on the extent and nature of treatment that he may need to undergo.
Treatments for prostate cancer, such as surgery or radiotherapy, carry a variety of risks and can be associated with varying long-term effects such as sexual dysfunction and urinary problems.
- A failure to carry out a thorough assessment of men who may be at risk of developing prostate cancer or who may be exhibiting possible symptoms, such as urinary problems, may mean that the necessary investigative tests are not carried out and an opportunity for diagnosis is missed. An initial examination for prostate cancer should include blood tests as well as a digital, rectal examination to assess the condition of the prostate gland.
- A failure to refer the patient for an MRI scan or biopsy when this course of action was indicated by their symptoms and assessment may be regarded as negligent
Surgical negligence
The location of the prostate gland close to the bladder and bowel makes these vital organs vulnerable to damage during a prostatectomy.
Any such damage should ideally be recognised and resolved at the time of the initial surgery in order to minimise the possible on-going impact.
Damage to the bowel can, if undiagnosed allow the leakage of bacterial matter into the abdomen, putting the patient at risk of developing life-threatening conditions such as peritonitis, sepsis and even the tissue-destroying infection, necrotising fasciitis.
A failure to recognise that significant damage to nearby organs has occurred during surgery may be regarded as negligent and may justify a claim for compensation should the patient suffer long-term problems as a result.
Misdiagnosis of prostate cancer
Occasionally, surgery or other treatment for prostate cancer may be recommended when it would not generally or by other medical professionals be considered as necessary based on the findings of tests and examinations.
In such a scenario, the actions of the relevant medical practitioner may be regarded as negligent and it may be appropriate for the patient to make a claim for compensation for the impact of his treatment.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one are struggling with significant problems due to poor-qulaity medical care of prostate cancer, you might be entitled ot make a claim for compensation.
This can incorporate recompense for financial losses where this is appropriate.
Contact Glynns Solicitors, experts in medical negligence law, to talk to a specialist solicitor about your situation.
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