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Cervical Cancer Misdiagnosis Claims
In the UK all women aged between 25-64 are invited to attend a cervical screening when prompted. The scheme is in place to detect abnormal cells which may be an early sign of cancer.
The cervical screening programme in the UK is generally very good, however there are cases of clinical negligence in the form of inaccurate smear tests and improper interpretation of results.
If you or a loved one has been affected by cervical cancer misdiagnosis you may be eligible to compensation.
We offer our clients:
- No Win No Fee agreements
- A free, initial, no-obligation assessment
- Expert medical negligence legal advice
- Maximum compensation
We will handle your claim with empathy and care. Contact us today on 0344 854 7000 or submit your enquiry below to start your medical negligence claim.
What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer develops in a woman’s cervix and largely affects sexually active women aged between 30 and 45.
Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV (Human Papillomavirus). The virus is extremely common and is passed on through any form of sexual contact with a man or a woman.
There are over 100 different strains of the virus, a lot of which are harmless, however there are some strains which can cause abnormal changes to cells of the cervix. These changes can then lead to cervical cancer.
What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?
In its earliest stages there are often no symptoms of cervical cancer. Symptoms can later manifest in the form of:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding – particularly after or during sex.
- Pain during sexual intercourse.
- Bleeding in between periods.
- Bleeding post menopause.
How is cervical cancer diagnosed?
Cervical screening (commonly referred to as a smear test) is used to detect abnormal cell changes which may lead to cervical cancer in the future.
If abnormal cell changes are detected your GP should then refer you to see a gynaecologist for further tests to determine if the cells are cancerous. Further testing can involve:
- Colposcopy
- Cone biopsy
- Pelvic examination
- CT, MRI and PET scans
It is imperative that test results are recorded and interpreted accurately, as any delay or error can lead to devastating consequences.
What are common reasons for cervical cancer misdiagnosis?
When cervical cancer is diagnosed at the outset the chances of survival are much better. However if diagnosis is delayed or test results are interpreted incorrectly this can lead to the cancer becoming more difficult to treat, leading to more invasive therapies.
The common reasons for late or misdiagnosed cervical cancer include:
- Medical professionals mistaking cervical cancer for heavy periods or the menopause.
- Failure to be referred for a smear test or other forms of cervical cancer detection.
- Failure to interpret the results of a test or biopsy properly.
- Failure to notice a tumour during a cervical examination.
- Symptoms diagnosed as another illness.
The impact of late or misdiagnosed cervical cancer can lead to sever consequences which may include:
- The need to have more invasive treatment to treat cancer including:
- Radiotherapy
- Chemotherapy
- Pelvic exenteration
- In some cases it may be necessary to have a hysterectomy which will leave the women unable to start a family or have any more children.
- The cancer spreading to further parts of the body.
- Reduced life expectancy and death.
Why should I make a claim?
Making a medical negligence claim through True Solicitors will help you to get the answers and the compensation that you deserve. We will:
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- Investigate the mistakes that were made during your treatment.
- Instruct an independent medical expert to assess the details of your treatment to give their opinion on what went wrong and what should have happened.
- Collect evidence to build a case to prove that the health care trust’s negligence led to your misdiagnosis or worsening illness.
- Seek to get an admission of liability and apology from the health care trust responsible.
- Fight to get you the compensation that you deserve to make up for your pain and suffering, loss of earnings and ongoing medical and care needs.
How much will my claim be worth?
It is not possible to say exactly how much your cervical cancer misdiagnosis claim will be worth. Each compensation payout is calculated based on the individual circumstances of each case. Solicitors calculate claims based on general and special damages.
General damages: This is the compensation paid out for the pain, suffering and loss of amenity resulting from the misdiagnosis. Physical and psychological injuries are covered by general damages.
Special damages: This covers any current and future financial losses incurred as a result of the misdiagnosis. Examples of special damages include:
- Loss of earnings through being unable to attend work, or work to the same capacity as you did pre-accident.
- Medical and rehabilitation treatment costs.
- Care costs.
- Home and vehicle adaptation costs.
- Mobility aids.
Is there a time limit for making a claim?
You need to start your cervical cancer negligence claim within three years of the date that you became aware that your treatment was negligent.
How much will it cost me to make a claim?
Our medical negligence solicitors will assess your case and if we believe it has good prospects, we will agree to take on your case under a conditional agreement. This is more commonly known as a No Win, No Fee agreement. This means that you will only pay legal fees if your claim is successful.
This is typically up to 25% of your settlement and will be explained to you at the start of the claims process.
