£40,000 damages for delayed diagnosis of skin cancer

Joachim Stanley acted for Mr B in a clinical negligence claim relating to the delayed diagnosis of skin cancer.

Mr B asked his GP about a lesion on his skin on three occasions, over a period of 18 months.  On each occasion, his GP did not refer him for any investigation.  Mr B got the impression that his GP wanted him to go away and stop bothering him.   After the third GP appointment, Mr B decided to get a second opinion, and was shocked to learn that he was suffering from melanoma – a very aggressive form of skin cancer.

The melanoma was removed, but unfortunately he then developed a metastasis.  After this, Mr B was informed by his treating hospital in very clear terms that his condition was terminal.  Mr B sought legal advice and brought a claim against his GP for “lost years” (the projected number of years of life, lost as a result of the delay in his treatment) and a psychological injury.  Mr B’s case was contested on all issues but Mr B was paid £40,000 in an out of Court settlement.