Cancer Misdiagnosis

Early detection of cancer is critical. A misdiagnosis, delay in diagnosis or failure to follow up abnormal test results for cancer are situations that can give rise to a claim in negligence.      

Cancer affects many of us. One in two Australian men and one in three Australian women will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85. Common cancers include prostate cancer, skin cancer (melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma), breast cancer, bowel cancer and lung cancer. Other less common cancers include ovarian cancer and brain cancer.  

When working out if cancer could have been prevented or the outcome avoided, it needs to be shown that the misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis resulted in a worsened outcome, such as a reduction in life expectancy or avoidable death or fewer available treatment options.

Other ways our lawyers help people experiencing cancer

Our lawyers provide free legal assistance for people in Newcastle and the Hunter living with cancer through the Cancer Council’s Pro Bono Program. Assistance includes wills and powers of attorney, access to superannuation, mortgage hardship and other consumer credit problems, insurance disputes, and employment matters. Our firm also holds each year Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea fundraisers for cancer research and cancer patient care in Australia.