What is failure to diagnose oral cancer?
Oral cancer, also known as mouth cancer, can develop quickly and require prompt diagnosis and treatment to maximise recovery prospects and survival rates. Patients rely on dental professionals to spot and accurately diagnose early signs of the disease during routine check-ups and assessments. A failure to diagnose oral cancer occurs when a dental professional neglects to recognise, investigate or respond appropriately to signs of oral cancer, resulting in delayed treatment or misdiagnosis. This can significantly reduce your chances of successful treatment, lead to further health complications and, in severe cases, be life-threatening.
Common examples of failing to diagnose oral cancer include:
- Ignoring or incorrectly diagnosing oral cancer symptoms such as persistent mouth ulcers, lumps, or red/white patches in the mouth
- Failure to carry out necessary referrals for specialist assessments
- Misinterpreting or disregarding diagnostic results such as biopsy samples or scans
- Delaying appropriate treatment even after diagnosis
Can you claim compensation for failure to diagnose oral cancer?
If you have experienced harm, increased suffering or worsened prognosis due to a dentist or medical professional's failure to promptly diagnose oral cancer, you may be eligible to claim compensation. Successful claims can provide financial assistance for:
- Physical and psychological pain and suffering endured due to delayed diagnosis
- Medical expenses, including specialist treatment, therapies and rehabilitation costs
- Loss of income or earnings, including future earning potential
- Care and assistance needs arising from the delay in diagnosis and treatment
In order to successfully pursue a claim for compensation, you must demonstrate that the dental or medical professional failed to act in accordance with expected standards of care, and their negligence has caused you additional harm or suffering. Speaking with Stephensons' expert medical negligence solicitors can clarify the strength of your case and the legal processes involved.
Why choose us to handle your oral cancer diagnosis claim?
At Stephensons, our medical negligence team has considerable experience and an outstanding track record in helping clients affected by delayed or misdiagnosed cancer. We pride ourselves on our compassionate, professional approach and specialist expertise in complex dental negligence claims.
We are accredited by leading industry bodies including The Law Society's Clinical Negligence Accreditation Scheme and the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), demonstrating our commitment to quality service and professionalism. Our solicitors have also been highly ranked and recommended in respected directories such as The Legal 500.
When you choose Stephensons, we promise:
- Sensitive and compassionate handling of your claim
- A dedicated solicitor who will support you from start to finish
- Transparent communication, ensuring you understand every stage of your claim
- A proven track record in securing fair and substantial compensation settlements
How we can help
At Stephensons, we provide specialist legal support tailored to each client's unique circumstances. Our solicitors will thoroughly investigate your case, gathering all necessary evidence including expert dental and medical opinions to build strong foundations for your compensation claim. We will guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your claim is handled efficiently, professionally and with minimal stress.
We offer various funding options including conditional fee agreements ('no win, no fee') meaning there will be no financial risk to you if your claim is unsuccessful.
Contact our oral cancer misdiagnosis claims team today
If you or a family member have suffered as a result of failure to diagnose oral cancer, please contact Stephensons today on 0161 696 6165 or complete our online enquiry form to request a callback from a member of our dedicated medical negligence team. Our team is ready to listen to your story, answer your questions and advise you clearly on your rights and options moving forward.
Frequently asked questions about failure to diagnose oral cancer
How long do I have to make a claim for oral cancer misdiagnosis?
In England and Wales, you generally have three years from the date you became aware of the misdiagnosis or negligence to pursue a medical negligence claim. There are limited exceptions, so we recommend contacting us as soon as possible for clear advice.
How much compensation could I receive?
Compensation amounts will vary depending on your individual circumstances, including the severity of harm caused, loss of earnings and extent of medical treatment required. Our specialists can provide an indicative valuation after reviewing your case details.
Can I still claim if my oral cancer is now at an advanced stage?
Yes. A delayed diagnosis can often mean cancer progresses unnecessarily. If negligence is proven, we can help you secure compensation to support your ongoing care and treatment requirements.
If you have other questions regarding your claim, please contact Stephensons today for a confidential discussion.