Multiple Myeloma Misdiagnosis Compensation

Red Flags and Medical Negligence Claims

If you have suffered from a missed diagnosis for multiple myeloma which has resulted in harm, you may want to find out more about multiple myeloma misdiagnosis compensation. Receiving a diagnosis for multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer, is hard news to bear. But, when the diagnosis is delayed or even missed altogether due to medical negligence, there may be serious consequences.

Research by Myeloma UK found that there was a severe impact on the quality of life and medical complications for patients who received a delayed diagnosis. Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer which affects plasma cells.

So, if you or a loved one has multiple myeloma, but were misdiagnosed or received a delay in diagnosis, Jefferies Claims can help you find out more about a clinical negligence claim for compensation.

We partner with highly experienced lawyers who work on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis.

Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma is regarded as a cancer of plasma cells, which are found in the bone marrow. So, it can cause a range of symptoms including bone pain, fatigue, frequent infections, and kidney issues. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment are vital for managing the condition and improving outcomes.

Unfortunately, multiple myeloma can be challenging to detect in its early stages because its symptoms are non-specific. However, it may mimic less serious illnesses such as back strain or arthritis.

The Impact of Misdiagnosis

A misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of multiple myeloma may result in:

• Advanced disease progression
• Severe bone damage or fractures
• Renal failure
• Increased risk of infections
• Reduced survival rate
• Emotional and psychological distress

 

Medical professionals have a legal duty of care to recognise the signs and carry out appropriate tests. Therefore, timely and accurate medical intervention is considered to be critical.

Red Flags: When Medical Negligence May Have Occurred

Red flags which indicate lapses in care and identify whether medical negligence has taken place can include:

1. Dismissed or Downplayed Symptoms

Were your persistent symptoms, such as fatigue, back pain, or unexplained weight loss, repeatedly brushed off as “normal” or due to lifestyle?

2. Failure to Order Diagnostic Tests

Blood tests, urine tests, and bone marrow biopsies should detect multiple myeloma. But a failure to order these tests when symptoms suggested the need could be negligence.

3. Misinterpretation of Test Results

Sometimes test results are misread or incorrectly interpreted

4. Referral Delays

Were you referred late, or perhaps not at all, to a haematologist or cancer specialist? So, prompt referrals are essential for early diagnosis and treatment.

5. Inadequate Follow-Up

Did your GP or specialist fail to follow up on abnormal test results or repeat testing to monitor worsening symptoms?

So if any of these red flags occurred, you may have grounds for a medical negligence claim.

Three Important Elements To File A Claim

To bring a successful claim you must be able to prove three key elements:

Duty of Care

The medical professional owed you a legal duty to provide competent care.

Breach of Duty

This duty was breached, for example a competent GP or specialist would have investigated your symptoms sooner.

Causation

Your worsened condition can be directly linked to the breach

Therefore, it’s not enough to show that a mistake was made. You must also demonstrate that the mistake had a direct negative impact on your health.

How to File a Medical Negligence Claim

Filing a claim involves several stages, here’s what you need to do:

Step 1: Seek a Second Opinion

If you suspect your condition was misdiagnosed consult another GP or specialist. . This will not only help you with ongoing treatment, but can also provide important proof for your claim.

Step 2: Gather Evidence

Document everything as they provide a timeline of what happened and help in proving negligence

• Medical records
• Test results
• Appointment dates
• Referral letters
• Personal notes or symptoms diary

Step 3: Contact a Medical Negligence Solicitor

Medical negligence cases may be complex, so it’s advisable to get legal help in claiming compensation. Therefore, choose a solicitor who is experienced in medical negligence claims.

Time Limits for Filing a Claim

You usually have three years from the date you were aware that negligence occurred. However, exceptions may apply for children or individuals lacking mental capacity.

Potential Compensation

Compensation is intended to restore you as closely as possible to the position you would have been in had the misdiagnosis not occurred. So, it typically includes:

• Pain and suffering
• Loss of earnings
• Medical expenses
• Care costs
• Future loss of income
• Travel and rehabilitation expenses

The amount varies depending on how significantly your health and life were impacted by the misdiagnosis or delay in diagnosis.

Get In Touch

With expert advice and dedicated support, we can ensure you get the support you need on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis. Reach out now to take the first step towards making your claim.

Our team will guide you through the claims process and we work with highly experienced lawyers who will assess your case. Call us for free at 0333 358 3034 or visit Jefferies Claims Contact Us Page to learn more and we can call you back at a time suitable for you.

This article provides general legal information and should not be construed as legal or medical advice. In all instances you should always consult with a medical professional around life expectancy questions.