Planning for ongoing medical and rehabilitation costs during cancer misdiagnosis | Nash & Co Solicitors
Written by Mike Shiers and Rebecca Brisley | Medical Negligence team | 11 February 2026
A cancer misdiagnosis can change every part of your life. For many people, the effects don’t end once the mistake is discovered. Instead, the road ahead often includes further treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term adjustments. Some people need private physiotherapy, counselling, or support at home, while others face ongoing medical appointments or loss of income.
It’s not just about recovering physically. It’s about rebuilding confidence and stability, which can take time and resources. Planning for the financial impact of this, particularly the costs of ongoing treatment and care, can feel overwhelming.
What this article will cover
This article explores how ongoing medical and rehabilitation costs are handled in cancer misdiagnosis claims, what these costs might include, and how solicitors help clients plan for the future. It also explains how compensation is calculated, why expert medical evidence matters, and what support Nash & Co Solicitors can offer throughout the process.
Understanding ongoing medical and rehabilitation costs
When someone experiences a delayed or incorrect cancer diagnosis, they may need additional treatment to correct or manage the consequences. This could include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, medication, or regular monitoring.
In many cases, the delay means that the treatment required is more intensive or prolonged than it would have been if the cancer had been diagnosed earlier. Rehabilitation might also be needed to support physical and emotional recovery, such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy or counselling.
All of these costs can be claimed as part of a medical negligence claim. The aim of compensation is to help you recover physically, emotionally and financially, so you can focus on your health rather than the financial burden.
Examples of costs that can be included
Every case is different, but ongoing medical and rehabilitation costs may include:
Private medical treatment or consultations to manage your condition.
Rehabilitation, such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy or counselling.
Specialist equipment, mobility aids, or home modifications.
Travel to and from appointments or treatment centres.
Medication or follow-up care not covered by the NHS.
Professional care, or the cost of time given by a family member providing support.
A solicitor will work with you to identify which of these apply to your situation, ensuring nothing is overlooked when calculating your claim.
How future costs are calculated
When calculating ongoing or future medical costs, your solicitor will rely on expert medical and financial evidence. This ensures the compensation accurately reflects your long-term needs rather than just your immediate expenses.
Independent medical experts will provide reports that outline the likely future treatment and rehabilitation you’ll require. These reports help your solicitor to:
Estimate how long treatment or support may be needed.
Determine the likely costs of ongoing care and rehabilitation.
Account for inflation and the possibility of additional future needs.
Your solicitor will also consider your personal circumstances, such as whether your condition has affected your ability to work, or whether you’ll require home adaptations or support with daily tasks.
At Nash & Co Solicitors, we work closely with respected medical and financial experts who understand the complexities of cancer misdiagnosis. Our goal is to make sure your claim is based on realistic, evidence-backed projections that secure your future wellbeing.
Why planning ahead matters
One of the challenges people face after a cancer misdiagnosis is uncertainty. You might not know what treatment you’ll need next year, or whether you’ll be able to return to work full time. Planning ahead ensures that your claim takes account of these uncertainties, rather than leaving you to manage additional costs later.
By considering your ongoing medical and rehabilitation needs early on, your solicitor can build a stronger case that reflects your real-world situation, not just what’s already happened. This might include the cost of private follow-up care or loss of pension contributions if you’ve had to stop working.
Compensation should be more than a figure on paper. It should give you the resources to rebuild your life in a way that feels stable, supported and sustainable.
How Nash & Co Solicitors can help
At Nash & Co Solicitors, we understand that the aftermath of a cancer misdiagnosis involves much more than legal paperwork. It involves people, their health, their families, and their futures.
When we take on a case, we take the time to understand your situation fully. We explain what you can claim for, how your future needs will be assessed, and how compensation can cover both immediate and long-term medical and rehabilitation costs. We handle the evidence gathering, arrange medical expert reports, and make sure that every part of your claim reflects your needs accurately.
From our offices in Plymouth, we work with clients across Devon, Cornwall and the wider UK, helping them move forward with clarity and confidence. If you contact us, you’ll speak directly with an experienced team member who will discuss your situation, answer your questions and outline your options clearly.
There is no pressure or obligation to continue: just honest, clear advice from a team who care about helping you get the right outcome. You can call 01752 827067 or email medneg@nash.co.uk to start a confidential conversation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
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They include expenses for treatment, therapy and support needed to manage your recovery and future wellbeing after a cancer misdiagnosis.
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Yes, if you need private treatment because of a delayed or incorrect diagnosis, these costs can often be included in your claim.
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Independent experts provide evidence on what future treatment or rehabilitation you’ll need and how much it will cost over time.
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Yes, even unpaid care from family members can be included in your claim, as their time and support have a financial value.
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Your solicitor will ensure that your claim includes forecasts for potential future needs, based on expert medical advice.
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Most medical negligence claims take between 18 months and 3 years, depending on complexity and how quickly liability is accepted.
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You’ll usually need medical records, receipts for care or travel, and information about any treatment costs you’ve already paid.
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No. Making a claim will not affect your entitlement to NHS care or treatment.
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Most claims settle before court proceedings are needed. If your case does go to court, your solicitor will support you at every stage.
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Yes. We regularly represent clients across Devon, Cornwall and throughout the UK, offering phone and video consultations where needed.
