Clinical negligence claim successfully resolved following a delayed diagnosis of breast cancer that had metastasised.

This followed the failure to remove all sutures after a caesarean that subsequently caused a serious infection.

Catherine Pinnegar has successfully concluded a clinical negligence on behalf of a lady following a series of missed opportunities to diagnose breast cancer sooner by her GP surgery.

The Claimant attended her GP surgery with a lump in her breast and also reported a sudden onset of significant back and hip pain so severe it rendered her bedridden. These red flag symptoms were not acted upon appropriately by the GP’s that she had spoken to during telephone consultation nor when she was physically examined.

As a result of the non-action, the Claimant spent a number of months in significant debilitating pain, had to give up work and was unable to provide care to her elderly father. The Claimant spent significant sums of money on alternative treatments to try and improve her situation. In the end she paid to undergo a prove MRI scan that revealed the devasting diagnosis on metastasises and had to undergo further testing to diagnosis the primary cancer, which was in her breast.

As a result of the delay in diagnosing the cancer the Claimant endured many months of avoidable pain and suffering and also suffered psychological trauma.

The GP surgery admitted liability for failing to carry out a complete examination of the Claimant’s lower limbs and for the failure to arrange an urgent referral to the breast clinic when a lump had been reported. Despite the admission the Claimant had to endure a number of significant delays brought about the conduct of the Defendant during the resolution of her claim.

Catherine Pinnegar said “I was delighted to bring a successful conclusion to my client’s claim; however, I was very disappointed that despite the admission made on behalf of the GP surgery, my client had to endure further distress due to the conduct of those dealing with the claim on behalf of the Defendant. However, my client was extremely patient and dealt with the delay in a stoic and dignified manner.

Speak to Catherine Pinnegar

Catherine is a Associate Solicitor at Wollens and can advise you. Contact Catherine via email catherine.pinnegar@wollens.co.uk or call 01803 225112.

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