Paediatric cancer misdiagnosis compensation claims

What is paediatric cancer misdiagnosis?

Paediatric cancer misdiagnosis occurs when a healthcare professional either fails to accurately diagnose cancer in a child, delays diagnosis or provides an incorrect diagnosis resulting in delayed or inappropriate treatment. Misdiagnosis can result from various factors, including failures in diagnostic testing, inadequate follow-up measures, interpretation errors of scans or test results, or overlooking vital symptoms indicative of childhood cancer. Because paediatric cancers can progress rapidly, misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis can severely impact your child's prognosis, quality of life, and treatment efficacy.

Common types of paediatric cancers prone to misdiagnosis include:

• Leukaemia
• Brain and spinal cord tumours
• Lymphomas
• Neuroblastoma
• Wilms tumour
• Retinoblastoma
• Bone cancers (osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma)

Can you claim compensation for paediatric cancer misdiagnosis?

If your child's cancer diagnosis was delayed, wrongly identified, or initially missed due to

medical negligence, you may be eligible to make a claim for compensation. To successfully claim for paediatric cancer misdiagnosis, it must be demonstrated that:

• Breach of Duty - The standard of care, treatment or diagnostic practices provided by healthcare professionals fell below acceptable professional standards
• Causation - It must also be proven that this negligence directly led to harm or worsening of your child's condition.

At Stephensons, our medical negligence experts will thoroughly investigate your case, gathering evidence from medical records and expert testimonies to support your claim. We understand the emotional and financial strain that such negligence can put on families, and we will strive to secure the maximum compensation possible, helping you to rebuild and regain financial security.

Compensation can be claimed for:

• Your child's pain, suffering and loss of amenity
• Costs related to ongoing healthcare, rehabilitation and specialised treatments
• Additional care and assistance costs required due to the negligence
• Loss of earnings or earning potential, where applicable
• Travel and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred as a result of the misdiagnosis

At Stephensons, our experienced team will guide you through every stage of the claims process, providing compassionate advice and support to achieve the best possible outcome.

Why choose us for your paediatric cancer misdiagnosis claim

Stephensons are an award-winning law firm, committed to providing exceptional legal expertise and compassionate support to families affected by medical negligence. Choosing Stephensons means:

• We have specialist solicitors who are accredited by the Law Society's Clinical Negligence Accreditation Scheme and Action Against Medical Accidents (AvMA)

• Our solicitors hold membership with APIL (Association of Personal Injury Lawyers), demonstrating our commitment to high professional standards and supporting victims of clinical negligence
• We have successfully recovered substantial compensation sums for numerous families affected by medical negligence, including paediatric cancer misdiagnosis
• We offer sensitive, confidential advice and a personalised approach, placing you and your child's best interests at the forefront of our representation
• Our solicitors operate on a 'no win, no fee' basis, ensuring you can pursue your claim without upfront costs or financial risk

How we can help

When you contact Stephensons, we will initially provide a free, no-obligation assessment of your situation. Our medical negligence specialists will carefully assess the circumstances of your child's medical treatment and determine whether you have grounds to bring forward a claim. We will review medical records, consult independent medical experts and build a strong case to advocate directly for you.

Throughout the process, our experienced lawyers will handle all negotiations with the healthcare provider or their insurers on your behalf, providing you with ongoing updates and clear explanations of your legal options at every step. Our priority is to secure the best possible compensation, ensuring your child's current and future medical, psychological, and financial needs are covered.

Contact Stephensons today

If you believe your child suffered due to a paediatric cancer misdiagnosis, please contact our compassionate team today on 0161 696 6165 or fill in our online enquiry form, and we will promptly call you back to discuss your claim in detail.

Frequently asked questions on paediatric cancer misdiagnosis compensation claims

How long do I have to make a claim?

In line with standard medical negligence claims, according to the Limitation Act 1980, the general time limit for making a compensation claim related to paediatric misdiagnosis claim in the UK is three years from the date that you or your loved one was aware of misdiagnosis (often known as the "date of knowledge"). For children under 18, the three-year period starts from their 18th birthday, meaning they have until their 21st birthday to bring forward a claim. If your child lacks mental capacity, the time limitation may potentially be extended indefinitely until your child regains capacity.

How long will the claim take to settle?

The duration of a claim depends on the complexity of the case, availability of evidence and whether liability is admitted by the healthcare provider. Cases may settle within months, although more complex cases or contested cases can take longer.

Will compensation affect my child's benefits?

We will provide expert financial planning advice to ensure any compensation awarded does not negatively affect your child's entitlement to state benefits and support services.

Can I claim on behalf of my child?

Yes, parents or guardians can act as a litigation friend, making decisions and pursuing a claim on behalf of their child up until their 18th birthday, after which they can pursue the claim themselves.