When it comes to our health, we rely on medical professionals to provide accurate diagnoses and timely treatments. Unfortunately, there are times when a misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis can have serious consequences for patients.
At Friends Legal, we support individuals through the process of suing for misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis. Contact our friendly medical negligence team today on 0333 3580 583. We’re committed to providing you with the compassionate guidance and robust legal representation you need.
Understanding Misdiagnosis and Delayed Diagnosis
Misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis happens when a medical professional fails to accurately identify a medical condition, leading to unnecessary treatments, worsening conditions, and sometimes fatal consequences.
Experiencing a medical misdiagnosis can have a lasting impact on your health and well-being. If you have been harmed because of a diagnostic error made by the NHS or other healthcare providers, it’s vital to understand your rights and the potential for pursuing a misdiagnosis compensation claim.
Types of Misdiagnosis and Late Diagnosis
Whether it’s a GP misdiagnosis, hospital misdiagnosis, or any other form of medical oversight, the ramifications of medical negligence can be devastating. These negligent acts are typically categorised into three key areas:
- Misidentification of conditions: Health issues incorrectly diagnosed as another condition.
- Delayed diagnosis: A significant lapse in time before the correct diagnosis that allows the condition to progress.
- Failure to diagnose: Completely overlooking a condition that should have been identified.
Common Types of Misdiagnosis and Late Diagnosis
According to NHS data, more than 8,000 claims were made between 2017-21 for ‘failure/delay in diagnosis’ and ‘wrong diagnosis’.
We understand the emotional and physical toll that a medical misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis can have on individuals and families. Throughout our years of expertise in this field, we have helped clients sue the NHS for misdiagnosis of:
Cancer Misdiagnosis
Cancer is a condition where early detection and prompt treatment are crucial for better outcomes. A cancer misdiagnosis or delayed cancer diagnosis can significantly impact a patient’s prognosis and treatment options.
Heart Attack Misdiagnosis
Heart attacks are life-threatening emergencies that require immediate medical attention. However, symptoms of heart attacks can be mistaken for less severe conditions, such as indigestion or anxiety. This misdiagnosis can result in delayed treatment, increasing the risk of further damage to the heart or even death.
Infectious Diseases and Delayed Diagnosis
Infectious diseases, such as sepsis or meningitis, require fast diagnosis and treatment to prevent severe complications. Delayed diagnosis of infectious diseases can cause organ failure, long-term disabilities, as well as fatalities.
Compensation Amounts for Delayed Diagnosis
The implications of misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis are profound, affecting your health, quality of life, and financial stability. That’s why understanding your options for misdiagnosis compensation claims is crucial.
Compensation can help to cover aspects such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of earnings
- Medical bills
- Rehabilitation costs
- Care and support needs
- Adaptations to your home or vehicle
- Future treatment and ongoing care
To ensure your claim has the best chance of success, get in touch with Friends Legal today.
No Win, No Fee
We understand the financial burden of pursuing a medical negligence claim can be daunting. That’s why we offer a ‘No Win, No Fee’ arrangement so you don’t have to worry about any upfront legal fees.
Time Limits for Misdiagnosis and Delayed Diagnosis Claims
In Scotland, there is a specific time frame to bring a clinical negligence claim. Generally, you have three years from the date of the incident or from the date you became aware that there was a connection between your injury and the negligence.
This distinction between the incident date and the date of knowledge is crucial for misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis claims. The very nature of these claims involves a delay in identifying the correct medical issue. The health condition, therefore, may only become evident over time. As such, the three-year limit might not start from the date of the misdiagnosis, but rather from the moment you become aware of the consequences of that error.
You should always speak with a professional medical negligence lawyer to determine the date of knowledge for your specific case. To ensure you are within the time limit for your compensation claim, contact Friends Legal as soon as possible.
Incorrect and Late Diagnosis Compensation Claims — Contact us for Expert Legal Advice
Medical misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis can have life-altering consequences. If you or a loved one have experienced such negligence, our lawyers are here to support and guide you. Phone us on 0333 3580 583 for a free consultation today.
We are here to fight for the compensation you deserve and will be by your side at every stage of the legal process.
