Misdiagnosis of an illness can result in undue suffering and stress for both the patient and their family. When a misdiagnosis occurs, you may be able to claim compensation for clinical negligence on the part of the doctor who made the misdiagnosis.
Legal Advice Helpline can provide information on making negligence claims after a misdiagnosis.
Misdiagnosis: Causes and effects
Misdiagnosis can be traumatic for a variety of reasons. A cancer misdiagnosis, for example, may lead to a patient going through a more intensive course of radiotherapy than would have been necessary had the cancer been correctly diagnosed. Alternatively, a misdiagnosis might be made when a patient isn't suffering from an illness at all.
Misdiagnoses can come from a variety of forms. It could occur as a result of computer or clerical error. Test results could have been misinterpreted and an incorrect diagnosis made. Faulty hospital equipment might also play a big part in an incorrect diagnosis.
Misdiagnosis leads to both physical and mental suffering and it is important to be aware of your legal rights if you decide to pursue a clinical negligence claim.
Claiming compensation for clinical negligence
Contact Legal Advice Helpline on 0800 612 3042 for information regarding misdiagnosis of any illness. You may want legal help to organise a clinical negligence claim and we can put you in touch with solicitors with experience in cases of misdiagnosis. Many solicitors offer free advice and will take your case on a no win, no fee basis.
Call our helpline or browse online to find out more about clinical negligence and misdiagnosis claims.