When does lung cancer become a medical negligence claim?

When mistakes are made in treating or diagnosing lung cancer, the effects can be catastrophic. If a medical professional fails to treat you correctly, it can cause significant delays and the cancer can grow or spread. If this is the case, you may be entitled to claim lung cancer compensation due to medical negligence.

The majority of medical negligence cases are funded by way of a No Win No Fee agreement, which means if you lose your case, you won’t have to pay anything, so there’s no financial risk to you.

How is lung cancer diagnosed?

There are a number of tests which can be carried out to determine a diagnosis of lung cancer. Such tests include:

• A physical examination to detect swelling in the lymph nodes or an abnormal sound in your lungs
• A chest x-ray
• A CT scan or PET-CT scan
• A bronchoscopy
• A biopsy

If tests confirm that you do have lung cancer, you may be asked to undergo further tests to find out what stage the cancer is at and whether it has spread.

You may also be asked about your work history to determine whether or not you have worked with asbestos or other harmful chemicals which may have caused your lung cancer.

What are the common causes of delays?

If any mistakes are made which cause delays to your treatment or diagnosis, and your condition becomes much worse as a result, you may be able to claim compensation for medical negligence. Such mistakes include:

• Failing to recognise symptoms such as a persistent cough, coughing blood, breathlessness, loss of appetite and weight loss
• Mistakes in interpreting x-rays, scans or other tests
• Mistakes when taking a patient's medical history
• Mistakes in not carrying out the correct investigations

If you believe your lung cancer was made worse as a result of mistakes that were made by medical professionals, contact one of our lung cancer solicitors for expert advice.

How do I make a medical negligence claim for lung cancer?

Our medical negligence team are one of the best in the country and are highly ranked in independent legal guides, Chambers and Partners and Legal 500.

The team are highly experienced in dealing with lung cancer claims and can provide you with the best possible service, not only ensuring that you get the best outcome to your case, but can ensure you get the treatment and additional support you need to assist with your recovery.

Visit our medical negligence FAQ or our medical negligence claims guide for further information on how to make a claim.

Contact us for a free consultation to help you understand whether or not you have a lung cancer compensation claim or call 0330 041 5869.

Can I change my solicitors to Slater and Gordon?

If you or a family member have been seriously impacted by medical negligence, and you feel that you're not getting the specialist legal advice you need from your current solicitor, we'll be happy to discuss switching your case to Slater and Gordon. Simply call our experts on 0330 041 5869 or contact us online.