Delayed Throat Cancer Diagnosis

Can You Get Compensation If Cancer Has Been Missed?

Throat cancer is a serious condition which requires early detection and treatment, so a delayed throat cancer diagnosis may have major consequences. It affects thousands of people every year and refers to tumours that develop in the throat, voice box or tonsils.

Medical negligence is when a medical professional breaches their duty of care which causes avoidable harm to a patient. With regard to a delay in diagnosis for throat cancer, this may lead to a worsened outcome and more aggressive treatments for a patient.

So, if you have suffered from a delayed diagnosis, Jefferies Claims may be able to help. We partner with lawyers who are highly experienced in medical negligence and who offer a ‘No Win, No Fee’ agreement. This means you will only pay fees if you win your case.

Common Symptoms of Throat Cancer

Throat cancer has a number of symptoms which may include:

• Sore throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Hoarseness or changes in voice
• A lump in the neck
• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent cough

Prompt investigation of these symptoms is essential for early treatment and improved survival rates.

Medical Negligence and Throat Cancer

Medical negligence occurs when a healthcare provider breaches their duty of care. As a result of this breach, you may have suffered from harm which would otherwise have been avoided. causing avoidable harm to the patient. Negligence might involve:

• Failure to refer to a specialist after initial consultation
• Misinterpretation of test results
• Failure to order appropriate tests such as a biopsy or imaging
• Misdiagnosing the condition as a less serious illness (e.g. throat infection)
• Delayed treatment after diagnosis, allowing the cancer to progress

 Impact of a Delayed or Missed Diagnosis

When throat cancer is diagnosed late, the cancer may have already spread to surrounding tissues or lymph nodes. Unfortunately, if this has happened, treatment options may have been significantly reduced.

In addition, late diagnosis often leads to more aggressive treatments like surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. It may also potentially result in long-term complications such as speech or swallowing difficulties.

When Can You File a Throat Cancer Medical Negligence Claim?

The following criteria need to be considered in order to file a claim:

1. A healthcare provider breached their duty of care.
2. That breach directly caused you harm or worsened your condition.

In the case of throat cancer, a valid claim could arise from:

• Being reassured by your GP despite having red-flag symptoms
• Not being referred for further investigation
• Receiving incorrect treatment due to a misdiagnosis

 Time Limit for Filing a Claim

You will typically have three years in which to file a claim from:

• The date of the negligent act, or
• The date you became aware that negligence caused your injury (known as the “date of knowledge”)

For children or those who lack mental capacity, different rules apply. It’s important to speak to a solicitor as soon as possible to consider your options and avoid missing the deadline.

Proving Medical Negligence in Throat Cancer Cases

To succeed in a claim, your solicitor will need to demonstrate key elements:

1. Duty of Care – That the healthcare provider had a legal obligation to treat you competently.
2. Breach of Duty – That their care fell below the accepted standard.
3. Causation – That the breach directly caused your condition to worsen.

With the help of your solicitor, you will need to gather the following evidence to back you claim:

• Medical records
• Expert medical opinions
• Witness statements

These documents help establish that earlier diagnosis and treatment would have led to a better outcome.

How Much Compensation Can You Claim?

Compensation varies depending on the severity of the harm caused. A throat cancer negligence claim may typically cover:

• General damages – For pain, suffering, and loss of amenity.
• Special damages – For financial losses such as:
  • Loss of earnings
  • Travel and medical expenses
  • Cost of future care

Each claim is unique, and your solicitor will be able to advise on potential compensation depending on circumstances surrounding your particular case.

What to Do If You Suspect Throat Cancer Negligence

If you believe that your diagnosis was delayed or missed due to medical negligence, here are the steps to take:

1. Request your medical records from your GP or hospital.
2. Document your symptoms and all communications with healthcare providers.
3. Speak to a medical negligence solicitor with experience in cancer claims.
4. Act quickly to ensure you’re within the time limits to file a claim.

Contact Us For a Free Consultation

At Jefferies Claims, we will guide you through the claims process. We work with highly experienced lawyers who will assess all aspects of your case and who work on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis.

Contact Jefferies Claims today at 0333 358 3034 or complete our online contact form to arrange an initial, no-obligation telephone consultation.

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.