When we visit a medical professional, we expect an accurate diagnosis and a clear treatment plan. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Medical misdiagnosis is a serious issue affecting thousands of individuals across the UK, including right here in Hove. Whether you or a loved one has suffered due to an incorrect or delayed diagnosis, you may have the right to make a claim for compensation.
At Marley Solicitors, we are experienced in handling complex medical negligence claims, including those involving misdiagnosis. In this blog post, we will explore what medical misdiagnosis involves, the impact it can have, and how you can start a claim if you believe you have been affected.
What is medical misdiagnosis?
Medical misdiagnosis occurs when a healthcare professional makes an incorrect judgement about a patient’s condition. This can happen in several ways, including:
- Failing to diagnose an existing illness or injury
- Diagnosing the wrong condition
- Delaying a diagnosis, which results in harm
- Misinterpreting test results
In each case, the consequences can be severe, particularly if the patient’s condition worsens due to lack of appropriate treatment.
Common types of misdiagnosis
There are many types of illnesses and conditions that can be misdiagnosed. Some of the more common examples include:
- Cancer – For example, mistaking symptoms of bowel cancer for irritable bowel syndrome can lead to a dangerous delay in treatment.
- Heart conditions – A heart attack may be misinterpreted as indigestion, anxiety, or another minor issue.
- Infections – Serious infections like sepsis can be overlooked or misclassified as a less severe illness.
- Fractures – Broken bones are sometimes missed in X-rays, particularly in busy accident and emergency departments.
- Stroke – Strokes must be treated urgently, but early signs are sometimes dismissed or mistaken for migraines or intoxication.
These are just a few examples, and every case will depend on its own facts.
How medical misdiagnosis affects patients
The impact of a misdiagnosis can be life-changing. The patient may suffer unnecessary pain, undergo the wrong treatment, or miss the opportunity for early intervention. In some tragic cases, the error can be fatal.
For example:
- A delay in diagnosing cancer can allow the disease to progress to a stage where it is no longer treatable.
- An incorrect diagnosis may result in harmful medications being prescribed, leading to new or worsening symptoms.
- A missed diagnosis of a stroke or heart attack could lead to permanent disability or death.
Aside from the physical consequences, the emotional toll on patients and their families can be significant. Many people experience anxiety, depression, and a loss of trust in the healthcare system.
Can you claim compensation for misdiagnosis?
If you believe you have suffered due to a misdiagnosis, you may be entitled to bring a claim for medical negligence. To succeed, you must show that:
- The care you received fell below acceptable standards (known as a breach of duty)
- That breach caused you harm (known as causation)
Not every mistake will lead to a successful claim. Medical treatment involves professional judgement, and sometimes mistakes are made despite reasonable care. However, if your diagnosis was missed or delayed due to avoidable errors, and you suffered as a result, you should seek legal advice.
How Marley Solicitors can help with your misdiagnosis claim in Hove
At Marley Solicitors, we provide dedicated support for those affected by medical negligence in Hove and the surrounding areas. Our experienced solicitors will assess the details of your case and help you understand your options.
Here is how we approach medical misdiagnosis claims:
- Free initial consultation – We will discuss your situation in detail, without any obligation.
- Case investigation – We will obtain your medical records, arrange for independent medical opinions, and identify where errors occurred.
- Clear advice – You will receive straightforward, honest guidance on the strength of your claim and potential outcomes.
- No win, no fee – In most cases, we can act on a conditional fee agreement, meaning you only pay if your claim succeeds.
We understand the emotional stress involved and aim to make the legal process as smooth as possible.
Time limits for bringing a claim
There are strict time limits for making a medical misdiagnosis claim. In general, you must start your claim within three years of the date you became aware (or should have become aware) that negligence may have occurred. For children, the time limit begins on their 18th birthday, giving them until age 21 to start a claim.
There can be exceptions, for example, if the person lacks mental capacity. However, it is always best to seek legal advice as early as possible.
What compensation can you claim?
If your claim is successful, you may be awarded compensation for various losses, including:
- Pain and suffering – The physical and emotional harm caused by the misdiagnosis
- Medical costs – The cost of treatment, surgery, therapy, or medication made necessary by the mistake
- Loss of earnings – If you had to stop working or reduce hours due to your condition
- Care costs – If you needed support from carers or family members
- Future losses – Including loss of income or ongoing medical needs
Every case is different, and the amount awarded will reflect your specific circumstances.
Why choose Marley Solicitors?
Choosing the right solicitor is essential when dealing with a medical negligence claim. At Marley Solicitors, we have extensive experience with complex misdiagnosis cases and understand the unique challenges our clients face.
Clients in Hove turn to us for our:
- Personalised, local service
- Specialist legal knowledge
- Compassionate, client-first approach
- Proven success in medical negligence claims
We pride ourselves on offering clear, practical advice and fighting for the best possible outcome for each client.
Supporting families affected by fatal misdiagnosis
Sadly, some misdiagnosis cases lead to fatal outcomes. If you have lost a loved one due to medical error, you may have the right to claim on behalf of their estate or dependants. This can include claims for financial loss, funeral costs, and the emotional impact of bereavement.
We handle these sensitive cases with care, discretion, and the utmost respect for the family’s needs.
What to do if you think you have a claim
If you are in Hove and suspect you have been harmed by a medical misdiagnosis, you should:
- Seek further medical advice – If you are concerned about your health, consult another GP or specialist as soon as possible.
- Request your medical records – You have the right to see your records, which can help identify where mistakes were made.
- Speak to a solicitor – Contact Marley Solicitors for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your potential claim.
The sooner you take action, the more effectively we can build your case.
Contact Marley Solicitors in Hove
We are proud to support clients in Hove and throughout the surrounding region. If you have suffered due to medical misdiagnosis, we are here to help you seek justice and secure the compensation you deserve.
Get in touch today for confidential advice from our expert legal team. Call us on [insert phone number] or fill in our online enquiry form to start your journey to justice.
