Medical Negligence

Skin cancer negligence cases in the UK fall under the broader umbrella of medical negligence law. These cases typically arise when a healthcare provider fails to diagnose or treat skin cancer promptly and competently, resulting in avoidable harm to the patient. Patients who suffer harm due to such failings may pursue a claim seeking compensation for physical, psychological, and financial losses. In other cases negligence during treatments or whilst getting a biopsy can also lead to compensation claims. Our 86 year old client visited his doctor with a persistent lesion and fusidic cream, a topical antibiotic used to treat bacterial skin infections was prescribed. At the Oldham Integrated Care Centre he underwent two punch biopsies as another lesion had been noted. When he returned for his results he was told the wound needed a skin graft, but at the time was not informed of his diagnosis. At the time although he was told a skin graft would be taken from behind his ear when the wound was treated the surgeon merely pushed the skin together and stitched it. He was administered oral antibiotics and it took several months for the wound to heal, during this time he needed daily help from his daughter to clean it. Delayed skin cancer diagnosis In this case a breach of duty of care was admitted by the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust. The hospital did not see him under the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Legal Framework (NICE) under which patients should be seen within two weeks as part of a suspected cancer pathway referral. Secondly, not all options of surgical management were documented, the benefits and risks of skin grafts, as opposed to local flap reconstruction, and the patient should have been told both options and the change in treatment was not noted. “Skin cancer is something which appears to be on the increase and we had dealt with many skin cancer compensation claims when care falls below the expect standards,” she added. Inadequate Treatment: Failure to refer to a specialist, perform biopsies, or provide timely and proper treatment. Failure to Inform: Not informing the patient of diagnostic results, treatment options, or risks involved. “If you suspect you have been the victim of negligence in the first instance it necessary to prioritise your medical care and obtain second opinions if necessary. “It is also useful to have any photographs of lesions or affected areas as these are useful towards your eventual case. Skin cancern negligence claims Many claims settle out of court, but if necessary, the claim is issued in the County Court or High Court, depending on the value and complexity. Claims must be brought within three years of the date of the alleged negligence, or the date the patient became aware (or ought reasonably to have become aware) of the injury ("date of knowledge" under the Limitation Act 1980). Medical negligence compensation may cover: general damages for pain, suffering, and loss of amenity, in addition there are also special damages for financial losses, including lost earnings, treatment costs, travel expenses, and care needs. Skin cancer negligence can have devastating consequences, but there is recourse for those harmed by substandard medical care and seeking timely legal advice is a crucial step towards pursuing a successful claim.

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