Stomach Cancer Misdiagnosis
If you're reading this after experiencing a delayed or incorrect stomach cancer diagnosis, we understand the physical and emotional toll this has likely taken on you. At The Medical Law Partnership, we've supported many patients through similar situations, and we want you to know that help is available to secure the compensation you deserve.
How common are errors in stomach cancer diagnosis?
Stomach cancer is frequently misdiagnosed or diagnosed late, with studies suggesting that nearly half of all cases experience significant delays. The symptoms – including persistent indigestion, stomach pain, difficulty swallowing, and unexplained weight loss – are often mistaken for common digestive issues like acid reflux or gastritis.
We regularly encounter cases where patients visited their GP multiple times over many months before finally receiving the correct diagnosis. What makes these delays particularly devastating is that stomach cancer survival rates are significantly higher when caught at an early stage. If you feel your symptoms were dismissed or investigations were delayed unnecessarily, you may have strong grounds for a compensation claim.
There are several critical points where stomach cancer diagnosis can go wrong. One of the most frequent failures we see is when GPs don’t investigate persistent upper abdominal pain or digestive symptoms properly, especially in patients over 55 or those with risk factors like family history.
Another common mistake is failing to refer patients for endoscopies when symptoms persist despite treatment. We’ve handled cases where abnormal test results weren’t followed up, or where endoscopy findings were misinterpreted. Tragically, we’ve seen situations where patients presented with classic “red flag” symptoms like difficulty swallowing or vomiting blood yet faced unacceptable delays in getting crucial diagnostic tests.
If your diagnosis was delayed because symptoms were attributed to stress, acid reflux, or other benign conditions without proper investigation, you may have a strong case for compensation, particularly if this delay allowed your cancer to progress to a more advanced stage.
Beginning a claim might feel overwhelming, but we’re here to guide you through every step with compassion and expertise. When you first contact us, we’ll listen carefully to your experience and arrange to review your medical records confidentially. This helps us understand exactly where and when the failures occurred in your diagnostic journey.
Our specialist solicitors, who focus on cancer negligence cases, will assess whether there are grounds for a claim. We’ll obtain independent expert opinions from gastroenterologists and oncologists to determine whether your diagnosis should have been made sooner, and whether this delay caused you additional harm. Importantly, we work on a no-win, no-fee basis, so you can pursue justice without financial worry.
Compensation in stomach cancer negligence cases aims to address the full impact of your suffering. This includes compensation for the additional pain caused by the diagnostic delay, and any more aggressive treatment you consequently needed that might have been avoided with earlier detection.
You may claim for lost earnings if you were unable to work during extended treatment, medical expenses you incurred, and costs of care or assistance you required. For cases where the delay has led to long-term consequences like reduced quality of life, ongoing digestive problems, or spread of cancer, compensation can account for future care needs, loss of earnings potential, and the profound impact on your life and family. We’ll ensure your claim fully reflects all aspects of your suffering.
Stomach cancer negligence claims typically take between 2 to 4 years to resolve, though complex cases can take significantly longer. While this timeframe may seem daunting, it reflects the thorough investigation needed to build a strong case – including obtaining medical records, expert opinions, and negotiating with healthcare providers.
Straightforward cases where negligence is admitted early may settle towards the lower end of this timeframe. However, cases requiring multiple expert reports or those that progress to court can take longer. Throughout what may be a lengthy process, we’ll keep you regularly updated and ensure you have all the support you need while we fight for the justice you deserve.
Contact The Medical Law Partnership today.
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