Medical misdiagnosis happens when a healthcare professional fails to correctly identify an illness, condition, or injury, leading to incorrect treatment, delayed treatment, or, in some cases, no treatment at all. The consequences can be devastating, ranging from prolonged suffering to life-threatening complications. For residents of Chorley, misdiagnosis can occur in local settings such as Chorley and South Ribble Hospital, GP surgeries across the town, or within private healthcare practices.
Marley Solicitors has extensive experience supporting clients in Chorley who have suffered avoidable harm due to medical misdiagnosis. Our solicitors can help you understand whether you have a valid claim and guide you through every step of the legal process.
What is a medical misdiagnosis claim?
A medical misdiagnosis claim is a type of medical negligence claim that arises when a patient receives the wrong diagnosis, or their condition is diagnosed too late, resulting in harm that could have been prevented with appropriate care. Common types of misdiagnosis include:
- Failing to diagnose cancer or other serious conditions at an early stage
- Mistaking one illness for another and prescribing the wrong treatment
- Delayed diagnosis that allows a condition to worsen
- Ignoring or misinterpreting test results
If you were misdiagnosed in Chorley, you may be able to get compensation for your losses.
Can I claim compensation for medical misdiagnosis in Chorley?
Yes, you may be able to claim compensation if you can demonstrate that:
- A medical professional owed you a duty of care.
- That duty was breached through a misdiagnosis.
- The misdiagnosis directly caused you harm, injury, or financial loss.
For example, if a GP in Chorley failed to identify early symptoms of cancer that another reasonably competent doctor would have spotted, you could have grounds for a claim.
Examples of medical misdiagnosis in Chorley
Medical misdiagnosis is not limited to one type of treatment. In Chorley, examples include:
- Cancer misdiagnosis – delays in detecting cancers such as breast, bowel, or lung cancer, which reduces treatment options.
- Fracture misdiagnosis – failing to identify broken bones, often mistaken for sprains or bruising.
- Stroke misdiagnosis – dismissing early warning signs of a stroke, leading to more severe disability.
- Infection misdiagnosis – failing to spot sepsis or meningitis, both of which require urgent care.
These errors can happen in busy hospitals like Chorley and South Ribble Hospital or in smaller GP and dental practices.
The impact of medical misdiagnosis
The effects of misdiagnosis can be long-lasting, affecting not only your health but also your financial stability and emotional wellbeing. Victims may face:
- Prolonged illness and unnecessary pain
- Reduced chances of successful recovery
- Higher medical costs for corrective treatment
- Loss of earnings due to extended recovery time
- Emotional distress and loss of trust in medical professionals
Why choose Marley Solicitors?
At Marley Solicitors, we understand how stressful and overwhelming a medical misdiagnosis can be. Our team has helped many clients in Chorley secure compensation that has supported their recovery and future wellbeing. We offer:
- Specialist experience in medical negligence law
- Clear and supportive advice tailored to your situation
- You have the option to pursue claims on a no win, no fee basis, which reduces your financial risk
How to make a medical misdiagnosis claim in Chorley
If you believe you have suffered harm due to misdiagnosis, the process typically involves:
- Seek further medical advice – ensure your condition is properly treated.
- Gather evidence – collect medical records, test results, and any relevant documentation.
- Contact Marley Solicitors – we will review your case and advise on the strength of your claim.
- Investigation – we work with independent medical experts to establish what went wrong.
- Negotiation or court proceedings – most cases settle out of court, but we will represent you if necessary.
FAQs about medical misdiagnosis claims in Chorley
How long do I have to make a misdiagnosis claim in Chorley?
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the misdiagnosis, or from when you first became aware of it, to make a claim. Exceptions apply for children and those lacking mental capacity.
How much compensation can I receive for a medical misdiagnosis in Chorley?
Compensation depends on the severity of the harm caused, the cost of additional medical treatment, lost earnings, and the overall impact on your life. Each case is assessed individually.
Contact Marley Solicitors today
If you have suffered due to a medical misdiagnosis in Chorley, you deserve expert legal advice and support. Marley Solicitors offers free, no-obligation consultations to discuss your case. Our no-win, no-fee service is available in suitable cases, so you can pursue justice without worrying about upfront legal costs.
Contact Marley Solicitors today for trusted guidance on your medical misdiagnosis claim in Chorley.
