Case Study: Delayed Cancer Diagnosis

This article was published on: 10/15/24

Scott Rees Case Study Delayed Cancer Diagnosis

Being diagnosed with cancer is absolutely devastating, however, cancer that is diagnosed at an early stage is more likely to be treated successfully. Spotting cancer at an early stage can save lives, which is why a delayed cancer diagnosis is extremely dangerous and can result in significant harm to the patient or prove fatal.

If you or a family had been given a delayed cancer diagnosis, you may be able to make a compensation claim. Read our recent case study:

Medical Negligence Successful Settlement

We are pleased to share the successful resolution of a complex medical negligence case involving our client, Mrs Amanda Brown, wife of the late Mr Mark Brown. Mark was referred to University Hospitals Sussex Foundation Trust in January 2005 due to gastroenterological issues and was diagnosed with Barrett’s Oesophagus. Despite being prescribed a Proton-Pump Inhibitor (PPI) indefinitely, there was no recommendation for ongoing surveillance by the digestive diseases service.

In October 2022, during a routine lung scan, Mark was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer, which had metastasized to his liver and lymph nodes. Sadly, he passed away in November 2023. Amanda instructed us to investigate allegations of negligence related to Mark’s care and treatment.

Our thorough investigation revealed multiple breaches of duty, including the failure to discuss the risks of Barrett’s Oesophagus and the lack of referral for surveillance endoscopy. Expert reports from a General Surgeon and a General Practitioner supported these findings, highlighting the Trust’s and GP practice’s failures.

Despite the Trust’s initial denial of liability, we persisted and obtained an offer of £70,000 to settle the matter. After careful consideration and further expert consultations, the offer was accepted, and the settlement was finalised in August 2024.

This case underscores our commitment to achieving justice for our clients and ensuring accountability in medical care. Amanda said: “From start to finish I have found the team at Scott Rees & Co. professional, caring and always at the end of the phone when needed. I couldn’t have asked for more. A special shoutout goes to Paul, who was very helpful and talked everything through when needed and never made me feel rushed. His assistant Lee was also very helpful and supportive throughout. I want to thank them all for assisting me and getting the right result. I would definitely recommend them 100%”

How can we help:

Sadly, medical misdiagnosis does occur, with often life-changing consequences.  Our expert clinical negligence solicitors have the experience to completely take over and work out how and when the misdiagnosis occurred, identify breaches of duty and who was responsible.

We try our very best to make the process as stress-free as possible and keep you updated in a timely manner. Whatever the circumstances of your case, we are here to help!

Book a free consultation.