Bladder cancer affects thousands of people each year. Our team of specialist clinical negligence solicitors has a wealth of experience in representing individuals and their families where there are concerns about their care, such as a delay in diagnosis.
According to Cancer Research UK, almost 1 in 2 people diagnosed with bladder cancer survives the disease for 10 years or more. It is essential that a diagnosis of cancer is caught as soon as possible, through appropriate testing such as cystoscopies and biopsies, however, a diagnosis relies upon the care and skill of medical professionals, and if this fails the outcome can be devastating. Our client knows this all too well, having tragically lost their husband, because of an alleged delay in diagnosis of bladder cancer.
Our client’s husband had a medical history of keratinising squamous metaplasia (a non-cancerous change in the cells that make up the tissue lining for organs and glands) and, as such, was at higher risk of developing bladder cancer. They underwent a cystoscopy and biopsy to check for bladder cancer and were given the all clear. Despite this, for several months, they suffered with ongoing severe urinary issues, including painful urination, abdominal pain, incontinence, and an increased urgency to urinate. Symptoms of keratinising squamous metaplasia are very similar to the symptoms commonly found in patients with bladder cancer.
Despite being high risk and frequently attending their GP and the Emergency Department, no additional cystoscopies or biopsies were performed. Eventually, our client’s partner was diagnosed with bladder cancer, but by the time they were diagnosed, the cancer had also unfortunately spread to the lungs and within a matter of weeks they tragically passed away.
Our clinical negligence solicitors are here to help if you have concerns regarding your treatment for bladder cancer. We take the time to carefully review your medical records to help us understand exactly what went wrong, and when. We will also ask you to explain to us the severity and the impact of the pain you have suffered as a result of the cancer and the absence of treatment. We will also draw on the expertise of specialist oncologists and urologists, who are highly regarded in their field, to assess your medical records. Their investigation will tell us exactly what processes should have been followed in your treatment and care and will establish whether appropriate treatment or earlier diagnosis could have improved your prognosis.
In successful medical negligence claims, where the patient has sadly passed away as a result of negligence, we obtain compensation for general damages, funeral and testamentary expenses, bereavement damages, the loss of love and affection of a partner or family member and financial losses in relation to services and income.
Medical negligence associate, Becca Horley, comments:
“The impact of a delay in diagnosing bladder cancer can be devasting and even fatal. If anyone has concerns regarding their urology treatment and care, I recommend speaking to a specialist solicitor who has expertise in this area.”
If you or a family member have received a delay or misdiagnosis of bladder cancer, contact us for a free and confidential discussion. You can call us on 0333 920 8797 or send us a message.
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 2024
