The error took place at Accrington Victoria Hospital in East Lancashire and there are actually 18 reported cases of misdiagnosis!
The errors were down to one radiologist whom had failed to pick up on the disease on reviewing the screening results. It is reported that he has thankfully not worked for the trust since April this year but that does not make up for the lives he has jeopardised!
An independent study was carried out on the radiologist’s screenings from the past 3 years and 85 women were retested; 14 of whom were diagnosed with invasive cancer.
7 of these women have now instructed solicitors to deal with claims for medical negligence for the trust failing to correctly diagnose the disease.
It is not yet clear how the claims will progress but if the hospital admit liability for negligence and the prognosis of the women’s cancers was affected by the misdiagnosis then they will have grounds to bring a claim for damages.
Medical evidence shall need to be sought in order to clarify whether or not the failure of diagnosis has had an impact on the women’s prognosis for recovery.
In cases of medical negligence you need to be sure to select a firm whom have specialist experience in dealing with such claims as they can be complex and of a sensitive nature. Be sure to select a independent injury claims solicitor whom makes you feel comfortable and at ease as it is possible you may need to divulge personal details to them.