We pursued a cancer misdiagnosis
claim for Joan who was diagnosed with myeloma, a type of cancer
that affects the bone marrow, but only after she repeatedly
sought help. She was not given appropriate treatment because
her complaint was not taken seriously.
In 2002, Joan, who was then 71 years old, visited her GP on a
number of occasions with upper back pain. Her GP carried out some
tests which showed abnormal readings, but failed to institute any
investigations into the cause. Her condition worsened and further
tests were carried out in 2003, again which showed abnormal
results. Despite this, the GP still failed to refer her for further
assessments.
It was not until Joan lost the function of her left arm and
experienced paraesthesia (more commonly known as pins and needles)
in her lower limbs that her GP referred her for a “non-urgent” MRI
scan. In effect she was put on a waiting list.
In the meantime, Joan continued to deteriorate. She was having
falls and her husband was unable to cope with her at home. She
referred herself to Whipps Cross Hospital in Leytonstone where a
junior doctor failed to ask for a senior review or request an
urgent MRI.
Four days after admission, Joan was eventually seen by senior
staff at the hospital and was transferred to St Bartholomews
Hospital in London, where she was finally diagnosed with myeloma.
She immediately underwent radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment.
She was initially left doubly incontinent and without the use of
her legs.
Mark Bowman was
instructed on behalf of Joan. The defendants, Joan’s GP and Whipps
Cross Hospital, initially denied liability. But before expert
medical evidence was due to be exchanged, they both admitted
liability and judgment was entered in Joan's favour.
Joan received £400,000 compensation after the claim settled just
two weeks before trial. The compensation covers all of the expenses
that Joan incurred to date, as well as the recommendations for
future care. The case was funded on a “no
win no fee” basis.
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At the end of the case, Joan’s daughter said:
“Mark was sensitive to our need to keep an emotional
distance from the claim handling. I felt we could be hands off
because I was completely confident that instructions were being
followed and we were not at risk in costs.”
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For further information or if you have an cancer misdiagnosis negligence claim please
contact
Mark Bowman on 020 7861
4043 or email mark.bowman@ffw.com
You can discuss your cancer
misdiagnosis claim with any member of our
medical negligence claims team on freephone 0800 358
3848, email personalinjury@ffw.com or
complete our short enquiry
form.