Medical Negligence
Pearson Legal
Full Credential Description
When a consultant failed to follow up on test results for a patient diagnosed with cancer it was a total failure in care and led to a compensation claim on behalf of her estate. Cancer negligence case In this case the deceased was a widow with no children, but she was especially close to her niece. She had a fall at home in March and was admitted to Tameside General Hospital, doctors noted concerns about her bowel.
It was found that the aunt’s cancer had spread to her bones and a metastatic carcinoma was recorded electronically in her records. No mention of the cancer was noted by the consultant in his discharge notes. The day before she was due to leave hospital she fell again and fractured her right hip requiring further surgery.
A different consultant reviewed the electronic notes and presence of cancer and she was referred to oncology. It was July before the patient and her family were told of the cancer diagnosis, the cancer had spread to her bones and she needed palliative care. She sadly 3 weeks later at Willow Wood Hospice.
Metastatic Carcinoma Metastatic Carcinoma is a name given to a cancer that has spread from its original location (the primary tumour) to other parts of the body, in this case from breast to bone. This spread is called metastasis, and it's a key factor in advanced cancer stages, often denoted as Stage IV. The metastatic tumour is still the same type of cancer as the original tumour, even though it's located in a different part of the body.
For example, breast cancer that spreads to the lungs is considered metastatic breast cancer, not lung cancer. Metastatic cancer is often considered advanced, meaning it's difficult or impossible to cure with standard treatments. “Had he done so the family would have been made aware much sooner and the aunt’s treatment could have been managed and perhaps she may have avoided the second broken hip.
” A settlement of £4,000 was made taking into account the pain and suffering and loss of amenity over a 5 month period.
Measurable Results
Compensation settlement: £4,000
Qualifications & Expertise
Experienced legal professionals with proven track record in complex cases and client advocacy.