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Pancreatic Cancer Misdiagnosis Claims
Pancreatic cancer is the 10th most common cancer in the UK. 8 in 10 cases are diagnosed at a late stage, with survival rates low at only 5%. It is therefore extremely important that symptoms are investigated and diagnosed as early on as possible.
If you or a loved one has been affected by pancreatic cancer misdiagnosis you may be eligible to medical negligence 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 and we will call you back.
What is pancreatic cancer?
The pancreas is an integral part of the body’s digestive system. It sits high up in the abdomen and is a gland that produces digestive juices and hormones, including insulin.
Pancreatic cancer happens when abnormal cells in the pancreas start to divide and grow, in an uncontrolled way, which leads to the growth of a tumour.
What are the symptoms of pancreatic cancer?
Pancreatic cancer can take a while to manifest symptoms. When they do symptoms can however include:
- The whites of your eyes or skin turning yellow (jaundice).
- Itchy skin
- Darker urine and paler stools
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Feeling lethargic
- Back pain
- Fever
- Diabetes
- Indigestion
- Nausea and vomiting
How is pancreatic cancer misdiagnosed?
The pancreas is a vital organ that breaks down sugars, including insulin. It can therefore be extremely dangerous if its function is compromised.
A quick and accurate diagnosis is imperative to avoiding invasive and intensive treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery.
Pancreatic cancer can be misdiagnosed as other conditions such as:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Coeliac disease
- Pancreatitis
- Biliary stricture (narrowing of the bile duct)
- Cystic neoplasm (a group of tumours in the pancreas).
Negligent treatment can also include a medical professional’s failure to:
- Refer you to a specialist
- Follow up abnormal test results.
- Properly interpret test results.
- Diagnose symptoms correctly.
- Carry out the correct treatment after diagnosis.
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:
• 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 pancreatic cancer misdiagnosis claim will be worth. Each compensation payout is calculated based on the individual circumstances of each case. Your solicitor will calculate your claim 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-illness.
• 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 pancreatic 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.
