Cancer Misdiagnosis Claims
Cancer Misdiagnosis Claims
If you or someone close to you has suffered due to a cancer misdiagnosis, you are not alone. Our solicitors help people across Northern Ireland claim the compensation they deserve.
- One of Northern Ireland’s leading firms for medical misdiagnosis claims
- Experts in securing fair compensation for cancer misdiagnosis victims
- Experience handling claims against GPs, NHS Trusts, and Private Hospitals
- Offices located in Belfast, Antrim, and Ballyclare
- Free, no-obligation consultation to assess your case
Cancer Misdiagnosis Claims, Northern Ireland
A cancer misdiagnosis can change everything. When signs are missed or the wrong diagnosis is given, it can lead to delays in treatment and even more serious consequences. The effect on your health, your peace of mind, and your family life can be overwhelming.
In Northern Ireland, you may be able to claim compensation if a medical professional failed in their duty of care. Whether you’re claiming on behalf of yourself or a loved one, cancer misdiagnosis compensation can provide financial relief as well as some sense of justice for what you’ve been through.
Cancer Types that are Commonly Misdiagnosed
Some cancers are more likely to be misdiagnosed than others, often because their early symptoms are vague or similar to less serious conditions. While any type of cancer can be misdiagnosed, these are some of the most common we’ve seen lead to claims in Northern Ireland:
- Lung cancer — especially linked to asbestos exposure
- Bowel or bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Testicular or prostate cancer
- Ovarian or cervical cancer
- Skin cancer
- Leukaemia
- Pancreatic cancer
Each of these conditions requires early and accurate diagnosis. When that doesn’t happen, the consequences can be severe. For example, pancreatic cancer can advance quickly without obvious signs, while the early symptoms of bowel or bladder cancer may be dismissed as digestive or urinary issues.
If a misdiagnosis has caused avoidable harm, you may have grounds to take legal action.
Reasons for Misdiagnosis of Cancer
Cancer misdiagnosis can happen at any stage of care — whether through your local GP, a Northern Ireland Health and Social Care Trust, or a private healthcare provider.
No matter the setting, there are a few common reasons why these mistakes occur:
Delayed Cancer Diagnosis
Symptoms may be missed or not taken seriously enough at an early stage. A GP might fail to make a timely referral or hospital scan delays can slow everything down.
Failure to Interpret Test Results
Test results, such as scans, blood work, or biopsies, can sometimes be misread or overlooked. If abnormal findings aren’t followed up, a diagnosis can be missed entirely.
Prescription of Wrong Medication
Cancer can be mistaken for a less serious condition, leading to incorrect medication. This may delay proper treatment and allow the illness to worsen.
Given the Wrong Treatment
Even after diagnosis, the treatment plan may not be suitable. Errors in chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery can affect recovery and long-term health.
All-Clear Errors
Some patients are wrongly told they are clear of cancer after tests or check-ups. This false reassurance can cause harmful delays in receiving the right care.
If any of these situations apply to you or someone close to you, contact us today to explore your options for a cancer misdiagnosis claim.
Cancer Misdiagnosis Claims Process
Here’s how our solicitors can support you through the process of making a cancer misdiagnosis claim in Northern Ireland.
Step 1: Contact Reid Black
Speak to our solicitors for a free and confidential discussion about your cancer diagnosis. We’ll listen carefully and let you know if we believe a claim can be made based on medical negligence.
Step 2: Gathering Information
We’ll gather your medical records, referral history, and details of your symptoms or treatment. This helps us understand how the cancer was misdiagnosed and the effect of this.
Step 3: Medical Assessment
We’ll arrange for an independent medical expert to review your diagnosis and care. Their report will help confirm whether earlier action could have changed the outcome of your cancer treatment.
Step 4: Compensation Negotiations
We calculate how the misdiagnosis has affected your health, prognosis, and quality of life — including the impact on your finances. Our solicitors will handle all discussions with the Health and Social Care Trust or other provider to reach a fair settlement.
Step 5: Compensation Payout
If your claim is successful, we’ll ensure your compensation is paid promptly and in full. We’ll keep you informed throughout and explain exactly what the payment covers — including treatment costs, care needs, and other losses.
Cancer Misdiagnosis Claim Time Limits
In Northern Ireland, you generally have three years from the date you became aware of the cancer misdiagnosis to make a claim. This may be when the error happened or when you first found out about it.
There are limited exceptions, such as claims involving children or those who lack mental capacity. To avoid missing the deadline, speak to us as soon as possible.
Medical Misdiagnosis Compensation
Compensation for cancer misdiagnosis claims in Northern Ireland is assessed on a case-by-case basis. There are no fixed amounts, as each person’s experience is different. Factors such as the type of cancer, the stage at diagnosis, the outcome of treatment, and the long-term impact on your life all play a role.
Damages are typically split into two categories: general damages and special damages.
- General damages compensate for pain, suffering, and the impact on your quality of life.
- Special damages cover financial losses — such as private treatment costs, loss of earnings, and ongoing care or support needs.
According to the Green Book in Northern Ireland, general damages for conditions like lung cancer or mesothelioma can range between £125,000 and £250,000. However, these figures are only a guide.
The value of your claim will depend on the specific details of your case. We can provide a realistic compensation estimate during your free consultation.
Why Choose Reid Black?
We understand how difficult it is to deal with a cancer misdiagnosis. We’ve helped many individuals and families across Northern Ireland through difficult medical negligence claims, acting as their voice in the face of injustice. With us, you’ll have trusted support from solicitors who genuinely care.
Our Specialist Cancer Misdiagnosis Claim Solicitor
Our Specialist Cancer Misdiagnosis Claim Solicitor
20 YEARS EXPERIENCE
- Libby Smyth of Reid Black Solicitors has brought successful claims against Antrim Hospital, Causeway Hospital, Altnagelvin and all major Belfast Hospitals.
- Libby has more than 20 years experience in medical negligence cases and is supported by Reid Blacks firm of litigation solicitors.
- Request a callback to get professional no obligation advice at no cost to you.
- There are a number of various cost arrangements which can be put in place and if you are under 18 years of age then you are likely to be entitled to Legal Aid for a medical negligence claim as it is the child’s income, which is taken into account as opposed to a parents’ income.
Frequently Asked Questions
Start Your Cancer Misdiagnosis Claim Today
If you’ve been affected by a cancer misdiagnosis, we’re here to listen and help — get in touch for free to find out if you can make a claim.
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