Misdiagnosis and Compensation for Cancer of the Bowel
Failing to identify symptoms of bowel cancer correctly or misdiagnosing this potentially fatal condition can be catastrophic and may justify a claim for compensation.
The threat of bowel cancer
Bowel cancer, or colorectal cancer as it is also known, is one of the most deadly forms of cancer, associated both in the UK and across the world with a high mortality rate.
A patient's chances of survival from this common form of cancer is significantly related to the point at which they are diagnosed. Put simply, early diagnosis increases a patient's chance of survival.
Delays in diagnosis and treatment inevitably increase the chance that the patient's cancer will have spread, that they will suffer more significant effects from their condition, and that they will die. If the cancer has spread, the patient may suffer problems with the other affected areas of the body.
A delay may also increase the chance that the patient will need to undergo a colostomy operation.
Negligent delays in diagnosis and treatment
A delay in the diagnosis of bowel cancer may sometimes be due to substandard medical care such as the following:
- A failure to carry out a thorough assessment
- A misdiagnosis of observed symptoms and signs
- A failure to make an appropriate referral for tests
- A misinterpretation of test results
The key question is whether medical professionals were given the opportunity to make a correct diagnosis or referral and failed to do so. If a patient delays in seeking help, medical professionals cannot be held responsible for the consequences of that delay. However, if a medical professional fails to provide red flag warnings or arrange suitable safety-netting for a patient, they may be considered as responsible for the patient's subsequent failure to take prompt action.
For a condition where timing is fundamental to the outcome, any delay may justify close examination.
Claiming compensation
If a patient suffers a worse long-term health outcome due to substandard medical care than would have been the case with an acceptable level of care, they are legally entitled to claim compensation.
If you think you have a claim, the first step is to contact a medical negligence legal specialist for advice. They will be able to assess the quality of your medical care and, where appropriate, support you in making a claim.
Speak to a specialist
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with a team of experienced lawyers. Contact us today to speak with a solicitor, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim.
Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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