Yes. If your skin cancer was misdiagnosed or diagnosed too late because of substandard care, you may be able to sue the NHS. This could include GPs not referring you, dermatologists missing early warning signs, or pathologists misreading biopsy results.

If this caused harm – such as the cancer spreading, more invasive treatment, or worse long-term outcomes – you may be eligible for compensation. These claims are brought against NHS Resolution, the organisation that defends legal claims on behalf of NHS trusts.

The amount depends on how the misdiagnosis affected your life. A claim may cover:

• General damages: for pain, suffering, scarring, or psychological harm.
• Special damages: for treatment costs, loss of earnings, or future care needs.

More serious cases – such as those involving melanoma that spread due to delays – can lead to six-figure payouts. We’ll work with clinical and financial experts to make sure nothing is missed.

Skin cancer symptoms are sometimes mistaken for less serious conditions, such as:

• Eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis
• Fungal infections or scabs.
• Benign moles or skin tags.

This is especially true for melanomas in unusual areas of the body, or in patients who don’t fit the typical ‘at-risk’ profile.

Yes. You can bring a claim for a loved one if they:

• Are under the age of 18.
• Lack mental capacity.
• Have passed away due to the consequences of a delayed or incorrect diagnosis.

We’ll handle these claims with sensitivity and guide you every step of the way.

Being told you have cancer – when you don’t – can be traumatic. If you underwent surgery, radiotherapy, or other treatments unnecessarily, you may be entitled to compensation. These false positives often stem from misinterpreted pathology or incorrect clinical decisions.

Even if the mistake was later corrected, the emotional and physical toll may justify a claim.

Research revealed the startling finding that 4 out of every 10 people diagnosed with cancer have been misdiagnosed at least once before the disease was correctly identified.

While exact figures vary depending on the study and cancer type, research consistently shows that a significant proportion of cancer cases are initially missed, mistaken for something else, or diagnosed later than they should be.