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A wrong diagnosis or delayed diagnosis can have a significant impact on patients’ lives, causing physical, emotional, and financial distress. Understanding the potential injuries and effects, and how to bring a claim, is essential for those impacted.
A wrong diagnosis occurs when a medical practitioner incorrectly identifies a patient’s condition, leading to inappropriate treatment. A delayed diagnosis happens when there is a significant delay in identifying the correct medical condition. Additionally, they may fail to discuss the risks associated with an operation or give misleading advice.
Errors can result from:
Commonly misdiagnosed conditions include cancer, heart attacks, infections, strokes, and blood clots in the lungs. Both incorrect diagnoses and delays can occur in NHS and private healthcare settings.
These errors are often referred to as “Never Events”, serious Incidents that are wholly preventable, regardless of whether they were committed by a GP, an NHS worker or a private medical practitioner.
The consequences of a wrong or delayed diagnosis can be serious and long-lasting. A condition can worsen without a correct or timely diagnosis, leading to more severe health problems. For example, cancer may become untreatable, infections could become life-threatening, and untreated heart conditions might result in heart attacks.
A wrong diagnosis can also lead to inappropriate or harmful treatments, which can cause reactions to incorrect medications, unnecessary surgeries, or worsening of the condition. In some cases, a specialist or GP may give misleading or incorrect advice which leads to harmful or ineffective treatment.
Patients may experience significant emotional distress, including anxiety, depression and stress from ongoing health problems. They may also feel they can no longer trust medical professionals or the NHS.
Financially, a wrong or delayed diagnosis can have a significant impact. Victims might have to pay for incorrect treatments if done privately. They could also face additional medical expenses for the correct diagnosis and treatment. In addition, they may lose income from being ill or disabled for an extended period.
The impact on patients’ lives can be profound, affecting their physical health, emotional well-being, and financial stability. Injuries can lead to lasting pain, disability, and the need for ongoing medical treatment. Emotional distress can manifest as anxiety, depression, and loss of trust in healthcare providers.
Financial losses may arise from medical expenses and rehabilitation costs. Patients may also suffer a loss of income and other expenses.
Additionally, patients may have a reduced quality of life and be unable to work. They may also have to adapt their daily activities and routines.
If you have been affected by a wrong or delayed diagnosis, bringing a medical misdiagnosis claim can provide essential support and compensation.
Essential medical costs, including treatment, rehabilitation programs, and ongoing care needed for recovery.
The claim can also cover future lost wages, providing financial relief during your recovery period.
A claim can also help provide compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by an injury.
A claim can secure funding for crucial rehabilitation services like physiotherapy and counselling.
For cases resulting in permanent damage, compensation can be sought to cover long-term care needs. This ensures you receive the necessary support needed.
Initiating a medical misdiagnosis claim involves several steps to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Here is how the claim process typically works:
Your health is the top priority. Ensure you receive appropriate medical treatment and keep detailed records of your diagnosis, treatments, and any corrections.
Collect evidence to support your claim. Medical records, test results, and other relevant documents help to establish a breach of duty by the medical practitioner.
At CEL Solicitors, our clinical negligence team has extensive experience providing advice and guidance. It is their job to make your claim as straightforward as possible.
Your solicitor will assess your case and explain your legal rights. They will also outline potential outcomes, as well as the compensation you may be entitled to.
Your solicitor will help you prepare and file the necessary legal documents to formally start your claim. They will detail the incident and its impact on your life.
Many claims are settled out of court. Your solicitor will attempt to negotiate with the defendant or their insurance company to secure a fair settlement.
If a settlement cannot be reached, your case may go to court. We will instruct a barrister to represent and arguing your case.
It is important to seek legal advice early and ensure you have the best chance of a successful outcome. Our legal fees are covered by a no-win, no-fee agreement, meaning you will not face financial risk if your claim is unsuccessful. You will also have nothing to pay upfront, meaning you have nothing to lose by bringing a claim.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a road traffic accident, please call us for a free consultation. We are here to help you navigate the claims process and secure the compensation you deserve.
It is essential to seek legal advice early to minimise financial risk and ensure the best chance of a successful outcome.
Our no-win, no-fee agreement means you will not face financial risk if your claim is unsuccessful. With nothing to pay upfront, you have nothing to lose by bringing a claim.
Our specialists are here to help. Tell CEL today. We listen. We care. We win.
