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Skin Cancer Misdiagnosis Claims
Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the UK. If you or someone close to you has been diagnosed, you may have many questions about what the diagnosis means and what happens next. Finding out that the cancer may have been missed, diagnosed later than it should have been or diagnosed incorrectly can leave you wondering whether something could have been done differently.
A delayed or incorrect diagnosis can have a significant impact, particularly if it means that treatment is delayed or you suffer further harm as a result. You may also face additional emotional, physical and financial pressures, which can affect both you and those close to you.
Healthcare providers have a responsibility to diagnose cancer accurately and promptly. If the care you received fell below the standard you should have expected and this resulted in your skin cancer being missed, delayed or incorrectly diagnosed, this could amount to medical negligence. In these circumstances, you may be able to make a skin cancer misdiagnosis claim and receive compensation for the harm you have suffered.
If you think you or a loved one may have experienced a skin cancer misdiagnosis, please get in touch with us. We’ll listen to what happened, help you understand whether you may have a claim and explain what your options are if you decide to take things further.
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Yes, our Medical Negligence lawyers act on a no-win, no-fee basis, which means you will not have to pay any legal fees upfront.
We understand that the potential cost of taking legal action can be a concern, particularly when you may already be dealing with additional expenses as a result of your illness or treatment. We will explain how this works before you decide whether to proceed, so you understand how your claim will be funded.
In some circumstances, it may also be possible to obtain interim payments while your claim is ongoing.
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The amount of compensation you may be entitled to for a skin cancer misdiagnosis will depend on your individual circumstances and the impact the misdiagnosis has had on your life.
Every claim is different, so the value of your claim will take into account the severity of your illness and any harm you may have experienced as a result of the delayed or incorrect diagnosis. The more significant the impact on your health and everyday life, the greater the compensation may be.
Other factors may also be taken into account, including medical expenses, additional care and support and loss of earnings. Compensation is intended to help address the financial and other losses you have experienced as a result of the medical negligence.
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Every skin cancer diagnosis delay, misdiagnosis, and missed diagnosis claim is different, so there is no set time frame from claim to settlement. Complex claims can take years, while simpler claims where liability is accepted quickly can be settled faster. Time frames are on a case-by-case basis.
Once your lawyer understands more about your case, they may be able to guide you on a rough time frame, and they will be sure to update you throughout the process.
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We know this is a difficult time for families, which is why our team of expert lawyers are here to help and support you from your initial enquiry to the end of your case.
Not only are they exceptional lawyers, but they're also extremely sensitive to your situation. They’ll help you through this next stage with personalised support, excellent communication, and all the details you need to feel comfortable during these next steps.
If you think you have a claim and would like to discuss it with a professional, get in touch with our team today.
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When you may be able to claim
Approximately 17,660 cases of melanoma and 155,985 cases of non-melanoma are diagnosed annually in the UK, damaging the lives of patients and their families.
Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the UK, and cases are continuing to rise. Early diagnosis is critical to curing the cancer and stopping it from spreading.
A skin cancer misdiagnosis can delay the correct treatment, leading to your illness progressing.
If you received a misdiagnosis and your cancer progressed because a healthcare provider breached their duty of care (medical negligence), you may be entitled to claim compensation.
Potential grounds for a claim can be if your healthcare provider:
Failed to recognise your symptoms as signs of skin cancer.
Failed to carry out any initial tests and investigations.
Carried out the wrong tests and investigations.
Made an administrative or human error, such as misreading results.
Did not refer you for more tests or to a specialist assessment.
Failed to give you the right treatment after diagnosis.
Not everyone has the same experience, and if yours isn’t listed above, you may still have a claim.
To find out, please contact our specialist team. They’ll do everything they can to help and support you through this difficult time.
There is a three-year time limit on making a compensation claim for a cancer misdiagnosis. As soon as you’re aware that medical negligence has taken place, which resulted in a cancer misdiagnosis, causing you further suffering, it's important to speak to one of our specialist solicitors.
Calculating the three-year time limit can be complex. If you are unsure, please contact one of our team for some free, no obligation initial advice.
We understand the stress you or a loved one is currently experiencing, which is why our team will do all they can to help you achieve a positive outcome.
If your skin cancer was diagnosed later than it should have been, you may be left wondering whether the delay could have been avoided and what difference an earlier diagnosis might have made. Working out whether the care you received fell below the expected standard, and whether that caused you further harm, isn't something you should have to figure out alone.
At Nash & Co Solicitors, we can help you get to the bottom of what happened and understand whether you may have grounds for a claim. That means looking beyond the fact that your diagnosis was delayed to consider the medical evidence, what should reasonably have happened and whether an earlier diagnosis could have changed your outcome. We'll give you an honest assessment of your options, so you can make an informed decision about what to do next.
If you'd like to understand where you stand, get in touch with our team to arrange a free initial consultation.
How we can help
Three year claim limit
A skin cancer misdiagnosis claim involves more than establishing that a diagnosis was delayed or missed. It is important to understand what should have happened, whether the care you received fell below the expected standard and what difference an earlier diagnosis could have made to your health and treatment.
At Nash & Co Solicitors in Plymouth, our medical negligence team can help you investigate these questions and understand the strength of your potential claim. We recognise that behind the medical records and expert evidence is a person whose life may have been affected by what happened. Our approach is to consider both the medical and legal aspects of your case, so the advice you receive reflects your individual circumstances.
If you believe your skin cancer should have been diagnosed sooner, get in touch with our team to discuss your situation.
Why choose us?
At Nash & Co, putting our clients first means making sure you understand what is happening with your claim and feel confident about the decisions you make along the way. We’ll be transparent about costs from the outset and explain your options in plain English, without unnecessary legal jargon or complicated explanations.
We know how important it is to feel informed when someone else is handling such an important matter for you. We’ll keep you updated on progress, explain any changes or issues that arise and let you know what to expect next, so you’re not left chasing us for answers. We’ll work efficiently to move your claim forward while ensuring you receive a reliable service and advice that puts your best interests first.
Our client-first approach
Our team of specialist lawyers work on a no-win, no-fee basis, meaning there is absolutely no financial risk to you or your family.
We won't ask you to make any upfront costs, and you won't have to pay a penny out of your own pocket. We may even be able to get you some interim payments to help pay for medical treatments and rehabilitation.
During your free consultation, we’ll take the time to understand your circumstances and discuss what happened with your diagnosis. We can explain how a potential claim would work, what information may be needed and what the next steps could look like. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask any questions you have, so you can leave with a clearer understanding of your options.
To discuss whether you can make a skin cancer misdiagnosis claim with a medical negligence lawyer or to book your free consultation, please call us on 01752 827031.
Additional support
Skin Cancer Misdiagnosis Claims FAQs
Below, we have addressed the most commonly asked questions about generalised cancer misdiagnosis claims and compensation, plus specifics on skin cancer.
If you have any other questions that aren't answered here,don't hesitate to contact us.
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Skin cancer, including melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer, can sometimes be misdiagnosed because it shares symptoms or characteristics with non-cancerous skin conditions. These may include:
Psoriasis
Non-cancerous moles
Non-cancerous cysts
Eczema
Seborrheic keratosis
Warts
Scars
If skin cancer is misdiagnosed, you may receive treatment for a condition you do not have, while the cancer itself remains untreated. This can allow the cancer to progress, potentially making it more difficult to treat and, in some cases, putting your life at risk.
If your skin cancer was misdiagnosed, you may be entitled to claim compensation for the harm you have experienced. Contact us today to talk through your circumstances with our team and find out whether you may have a claim.
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There are two main types of skin cancer: non-melanoma skin cancer, which is the most common, and melanoma. The symptoms can differ between the two types.
According to the NHS, symptoms of non-melanoma skin cancer include:
Growth or unusual patch on the skin anywhere on the body
A growth that’s getting bigger or changing in colour or texture
A growth or area of skin that itches, bleeds, hurts, crusts or scabs for more than 4 weeks
While symptoms of melanoma, according to the NHS, include:
A new mole anywhere on the body
A change in an existing mole
A mole with an uneven shape or edges
A mole with a mix of colours
A large mole
Moles that are swollen, sore, itchy, bleeding or crusty
A dark area under the nail that has not been caused by injury
If you notice any of these symptoms and they’re unusual for you, speak to your GP as soon as possible.
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According to Macmillan, there are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma.
Malignant melanoma, also known as melanoma, is less common but more serious. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are non-melanoma types of skin cancer. These are more common and are easier to treat when caught early.
Melanoma is treated differently from non-melanoma skin cancers.
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A skin cancer misdiagnosis occurs when a healthcare provider fails to diagnose, leading to a missed, incorrect, or delayed diagnosis of skin cancer.
Sometimes this is unavoidable, but other times, when a healthcare provider's actions fall below the expected duty of care, it may be considered medical negligence, meaning the additional harm caused by the misdiagnosis could have been prevented.
If you think you or a loved one has suffered a skin cancer diagnosis delay due to medical negligence, please contact our team of specialist lawyers, and we'll do all we can to help.
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Yes, it's possible to claim for someone else who is unable to do so themselves. The most common examples are:
Claiming for a child: Children can't legally claim themselves until they reach 18, so a parent or legal guardian can do this for them. If a settlement is not reached sooner, the child has until their 21st birthday to claim.
Claiming on behalf of someone with limited mental capacity: A loved one can make a claim on their behalf, and there is usually no time limit in these cases.
Claiming on behalf of a deceased relative: If your loved one died due to a cancer misdiagnosis, you can pursue a claim for them. Alternatively, if your loved one subsequently dies as a result of other causes, it may be possible to make a claim on behalf of their Estate for the lifetime effects of the medical negligence.
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When you decide to make a skin cancer misdiagnosis claim, our first step is to listen carefully to your experience and gather the details of what happened.
We’ll then review your medical records and seek expert opinions to determine whether your misdiagnosis occurred because the care you received fell below expected standards, which directly caused your condition to worsen.
If we believe you have a strong case, we’ll guide you through the claims process.
In many cases, claims are settled without the need to go to court. If your case does proceed further, we’ll represent you at every stage.
Throughout the process, our aim is to make things as straightforward as possible, keeping you informed and supporting you from start to finish.
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In the UK, you generally have three years to make misdiagnosed cancer claims, which is why you need to proceed as soon as you can. The three years will start from the date of the misdiagnosis or from the date you became aware of it, depending whichever is later.
There are exceptions to this rule, though. For example, if the claimant lacks mental capacity, there tends to be no time limit. A child has three years from their 18th birthday to bring a claim themselves, meaning the limit extends to their 21st birthday.
To help you understand your specific time limit, get in touch with our team today.
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There is no fixed average payout for a skin cancer misdiagnosis claim, as every case is different. The amount of compensation you may be able to claim will depend on the circumstances of your case and the severity of the harm caused by the misdiagnosis.
Medical negligence compensation takes into account the impact the misdiagnosis has had on your health and life. This means the amount awarded can vary significantly from one claim to another.
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If you think you may have a skin cancer misdiagnosis claim but aren’t sure, our team can help you understand your options. Get in touch with our lawyers today to discuss what happened and find out whether you may be able to make a claim.
A skin cancer misdiagnosis claim may be possible if you can show that a healthcare provider’s medical negligence led to your cancer being misdiagnosed and that this directly caused your condition to worsen or meant you underwent further unnecessary treatment.
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To make a skin cancer misdiagnosis claim, you’ll need to show that a healthcare provider breached their duty of care, leading to your skin cancer being misdiagnosed and causing further harm or suffering that could have been avoided.
You don’t need to work out how to prove this on your own. Your lawyer will explain what evidence may be needed to support your claim, including your medical records, and will look into any issues that arise as part of the process. They’ll help you understand what information is available, whether anything else needs to be investigated and what happens next.
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Yes, you may be able to claim compensation if a skin cancer misdiagnosis happened because the care you received from the NHS fell below the expected standard and this caused you further harm or suffering.
At Nash & Co Solicitors, we can help you understand whether you may have a claim and guide you through the next steps. If you’re concerned that your skin cancer was misdiagnosed because of the care you received, contact us today to talk through your circumstances with our team.
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You may feel uncomfortable about making a claim against the NHS, particularly when you know the pressures healthcare services are under. It’s understandable to have these concerns, but making a claim doesn’t mean that resources are being taken away from patients who need care.
Claims against NHS Trusts and GPs are handled by NHS Resolution, an organisation established by the government to manage compensation claims and acts much like an insurance provider for NHS Trusts and GPs. Each year, Trusts pay contributions to NHS Resolution, in a similar way to paying for car or home insurance.
If a claim is successful, NHS Resolution pays the compensation on behalf of the Trust or GP involved. This means the compensation doesn’t come directly from the funds used by that Trust or GP to treat patients.
If you have concerns about making a claim or would like to talk through your circumstances, please contact us. We’ll be happy to answer your questions.
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If you’re unhappy with the service you’re receiving from your current solicitor, feel you’re not getting the advice you need or are left unsure about what’s happening with your claim, we can discuss you switching to Nash & Co Solicitors.
We understand how important it is to feel confident in the solicitor handling your case, particularly when you’re already dealing with the impact of a skin cancer misdiagnosis. You should feel informed about how your claim is progressing, understand the advice you’re given and have the opportunity to ask questions when you need to.
If you’re considering changing solicitors, we’d be happy to discuss your circumstances and explain what switching to Nash & Co Solicitors could involve. You can talk to our team about your current situation and get a clearer idea of your options before deciding how you’d like to proceed.
To find out more, call us on 01752 827085 or contact us online.
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Rest assured, whatever medical negligence issue you're facing, we'll do our best to help you.
Give us a ring or fill in our form below to speak to a member of our team today, and get the answers you need to make your claim.
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We will use the information you provide to respond to your enquiry and, where appropriate, discuss how we may be able to help. For more information about how we handle your personal data, please read our Privacy Notice.