"Shoosmiths"
16/05/2025
Delay in diagnosing and treating chronic myeloid leukaemia
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The story
Our client experienced a six-month delay in diagnosing and treating chronic myeloid leukaemia. Consequently he had to undergo FLAG-IDA chemotherapy and intrathecal chemotherapy which could have been avoided if the cancer had been identified earlier.
The details
Our client, a man in his 50s, initially suffered from a chesty cough for two weeks and was diagnosed with pneumonia. Further tests indicated leukaemia, but no action was taken. His condition continued to deteriorate. Blood tests taken in March 2018 and May 2018 were not analysed by the defendant. Had they been, the results would have revealed that our client had an elevated white cell count, indicating chronic myeloid leukaemia, which would have allowed for early treatment with Imatinib. As result of the negligence, our client’s treatment was delayed by six months necessitating the more aggressive treatments of FLAG-IDA and intrathecal chemotherapy.
How we helped
We compiled relevant medical records and expert evidence, and prepared a detailed schedule of loss, including the impact of our client’s early retirement due to the negligence. Settlement discussions led to a five-figure out-of-court settlement, helping our client to regain some financial stability lost due to his early retirement.
Sharon Banga, Principal Associate solicitor, represented the client commented:
‘This client was failed at a vulnerable time in his life when he needed the correct diagnostic process to be followed and timely treatment. The compensation achieved through our detailed investigation and expert negotiation will hopefully assist to secure his financial future, which was adversely affected due to the delays incurred’.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is recommended that specific professional advice is sought before acting on any of the information given. © Shoosmiths LLP 2025
