When does skin cancer become a medical negligence claim?

If diagnosed and treated quickly, the chances of recovering from skin cancer are good. However, if there are substantial delays, the cancer may grow or spread and can become life-threatening. If there have been unnecessary delays which have caused your skin cancer to worsen, you may be able to claim compensation for skin cancer.

The majority of our skin cancer 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 skin cancer diagnosed?

Usually, a diagnosis of melanoma will begin with a skin examination. The NHS website states that if melanoma is suspected, you’ll be referred to a specialist dermatologist clinic and should be seen within two weeks. The specialist may request that the mole be removed and sent for a biopsy so see whether it’s cancerous.

If a diagnosis of melanoma is made, further tests may be undertaken to see whether the cancer has spread.

If you believe that there was a delay in diagnosis of your melanoma cancer which has made your cancer worse, contact one of our skin cancer solicitors for advice on how to make a No Win No Fee Claim.

What mistakes can be made leading to a delayed diagnosis of skin cancer?

Slight delays in diagnosing melanoma are unlikely to make much of a difference to the outcome of your condition. However, when there are significant delays, skin cancer is likely to grow and could spread to other parts of the body. Significant delays can result from a number of mistakes such as:

• Not recognising the symptoms, such as a mole or lump bleeding or hurting, changing colour, growing in size or having an asymmetrical shape
• Failing to carry out appropriate tests

• Mistakes in interpreting the test results

Make a skin cancer compensation claim with Slater and Gordon

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 negligent skin cancer claims 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 FAQs 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 skin 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.