A delayed diagnosis can happen when a condition is either missed, or is misdiagnosed as something else. Sometimes a delayed diagnosis happens because the condition is difficult to recognise or because the symptoms displayed are not typical. However, on other occasions, a delay diagnosis occurs due to medical negligence.
If you, or a loved one have been affected by a delayed diagnosis, our team of specialist medical negligence solicitors at Farleys can help you to claim the compensation that you deserve.
Common Delayed Diagnosis Claims
Delayed diagnosis is probably the most common form of medical negligence and it can happen in many ways. You might have received an unnecessary delay in diagnosing a disease or injury; you might have received an incorrect diagnosis and had unnecessary treatment of procedures; or you might have received a late diagnosis which has led to reduced treatment options for you and potentially, a poorer outcome or reduced life expectancy.
Delayed diagnosis claims may arise in the following ways:
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A GP failing to refer you for specialist review or further tests;
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An incorrect reporting or failure to report test/scan results;
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Failure to prescribe the correct medication;
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Where you are ‘lost to follow-up’ and despite being under the care of a medical professional, you are not sent for further appointments or tests;
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A misinterpretation of your symptoms resulting in an incorrect diagnosis.
Claims can range from a failure to diagnose a fracture to the failure to diagnose cancer. Clearly, a delayed diagnosis of cancer can be extremely serious and might prevent you from accessing certain treatments that may have been available, had you been diagnosed earlier.
