Compensation for treatment, care and lost income during cancer misdiagnosis | Nash & Co Solicitors
Written by Mike Shiers and Rebecca Brisley | Medical Negligence team | 10 February 2026
Discovering that your cancer was missed, delayed, or misdiagnosed can be devastating. Beyond the emotional impact, there are often very real financial consequences. You might have needed more aggressive treatment, been unable to work, or relied on extra care and support at home. These are all losses that can be included as part of a medical negligence claim.
Compensation cannot undo what happened, but it can help relieve the financial pressure caused by a delayed or incorrect diagnosis. It can also provide access to specialist treatment, cover the cost of rehabilitation, and replace lost income during recovery.
What this article will cover
This article will explain what types of compensation can be claimed after a cancer misdiagnosis and how damages are calculated in medical negligence claims. It also outlines what evidence is needed to support a claim and the process of claiming for treatment, care, and lost income.
We will explain what compensation covers in a cancer misdiagnosis claim and how Nash & Co Solicitors can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
What compensation covers in a cancer misdiagnosis claim
Compensation in medical negligence cases is designed to help you rebuild your life and cover both your financial losses and the pain and suffering caused by the misdiagnosis. There are two main types of compensation:
General damages: these cover the physical and emotional impact of your experience, such as:
Pain and suffering caused by unnecessary or more aggressive treatment
Anxiety, stress or trauma caused by delayed diagnosis
Reduced life expectancy or quality of life
General damages are assessed using medical evidence and national compensation guidelines, ensuring your award reflects the full impact of what you have been through.
Special damages: these cover your financial losses and expenses resulting from the negligence. They can include:
Loss of income if you had to stop working or reduce your hours during treatment
Future loss of earnings, if your condition prevents you from returning to your previous role
Medical expenses, such as private treatment, medication, or travel to appointments
Care and support costs, whether from a professional carer or a family member
Home adaptations, such as stairlifts or bathroom modifications to make life easier
Every case is different, but these examples show the kinds of costs that can be included in a claim.
How compensation is calculated in cancer misdiagnosis claims
Your solicitor will work with medical and financial experts to ensure your claim accurately reflects both your current situation and your future needs. The value of a claim depends on factors such as:
The severity of the cancer and how the misdiagnosis affected your prognosis
Whether earlier diagnosis would have led to less invasive treatment
How long your recovery has taken, or will take
The long-term financial and personal consequences for you and your family
It’s important that every element of your loss is considered carefully. A well-prepared claim ensures you receive compensation that helps you move forward with stability and security.
Evidence needed to support your claim
To recover compensation, you’ll need to show two things: a) that your care fell below a reasonable standard (known as a breach of duty) and b) that this caused harm (known as causation).
Your solicitor will help gather evidence such as:
Medical records showing your appointments, referrals, and test results.
Independent expert reports analysing whether your diagnosis and treatment were handled appropriately.
Employment records showing any lost earnings.
Receipts or invoices for additional care, travel, or medical costs.
At Nash & Co Solicitors, we handle this process for you. We ensure all the necessary information is gathered and presented clearly, so your case is supported by strong, reliable evidence.
Claiming for treatment, care and lost income
When pursuing a cancer misdiagnosis claim, compensation can help cover both immediate and long-term costs. These might include:
Treatment costs: If the delay in diagnosis meant you needed more intensive or prolonged treatment, your claim can cover additional costs such as private consultations or specialist therapy.
Care and assistance: Many people need extra help during recovery. This might involve professional care or support from family members who had to take time off work.
Lost income: If you were unable to work due to illness or treatment, your solicitor will include both past and future lost earnings.
Ongoing rehabilitation: You may also be able to claim for physiotherapy, counselling, or complementary therapies to aid recovery.
The purpose of compensation is to help you regain financial security and ensure you have the support you need for your health, wellbeing and quality of life.
How long will a cancer misdiagnosis compensation claim take?
Most cancer misdiagnosis claims take between 18 months and 3 years, depending on the complexity of the case and whether the healthcare provider admits fault early on. It takes time to gather medical evidence and expert reports, and to ensure that your compensation accurately reflects both your current and future needs.
A good solicitor will keep you updated regularly, explaining any delays and ensuring your claim progresses as smoothly as possible.
How Nash & Co Solicitors can help
At Nash & Co Solicitors, we know that making a claim is about more than just money. It’s about getting answers, accountability and the support you need to rebuild your life. Our team of experienced medical negligence solicitors have helped clients throughout Devon, Cornwall and the wider UK to recover compensation after cancer misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis.
We will explain your options clearly from the start and handle all communication and evidence gathering for you. We will also keep you updated throughout your claim, so you always know what’s happening.
When you call 01752 827067 or email medneg@nash.co.uk, you will speak directly with an experienced member of the team. They will take the time to listen, explain your options, and help you move forward without pressure or obligation.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
You can claim for pain and suffering, lost income, treatment costs, care, and future financial losses caused by negligent medical care.
-
The amount varies depending on the severity of your illness, how the misdiagnosis affected your treatment, and your financial losses.
-
Yes. The value of their time and support can be included in your claim, even if they were unpaid.
-
Your solicitor will collect medical records, expert reports, and financial documents to show how the negligence caused harm and loss.
-
Typically between 18 months and 3 years, though this depends on the complexity of your case and how quickly fault is admitted.
-
No. Your ongoing NHS treatment will not be affected by making a claim.
-
Most cases settle out of court, but your solicitor will prepare your case fully in case it’s needed.
-
At Nash & Co Solicitors, we usually work on a No Win No Fee basis. This will be fully explained to you at the outset of your claim.
-
Yes. We represent clients across Devon, Cornwall and throughout the UK, using phone and video consultations when needed.
