Lawyer
LawyerFailure by G.P. to urgently refer a patient complaining of a hoarse voice to an ENT or to Hospital.
Our client, Jay, reported to his G.P. complaining of a hoarse voice which worsened throughout the day. He had been experiencing symptoms for approximately three (3) months.
He was referred to the local hospital to see an ENT on a non-urgent basis. He continued to complain to his G.P. but no further referral took place except for a referral for an ultrasound of the thyroid which was clear.
He continued in life until finally he was referred for a scan of his larynx some 14 months later where it was discovered that he had a large chondrosarcoma (a rare type of throat cancer).
As a result of the late diagnosis, our client required a total laryngectomy to remove the tumour. He has now permanently lost his voice and requires a voice prosthesis to speak. He was demoted at work on account of his inability to easily communicate which was an integral part of his previous role. He has also suffered psychologically as a result of his injury.
Had Jay been referred earlier he would probably have avoided the need for a total laryngectomy, the disfigurement around his throat and chest as the result of the operation and kept his voice.
Jay’s case is currently active and we are in the process of gathering expert evidence to support his claim.
If you or someone you know has suffered an injury as a consequence of a doctor not informing them of and/or acting upon an abnormal test result, we would be pleased to discuss your/their options in a free initial consultation. You can either book an appointment online or call us on (02) 4050 0330 to make an appointment with one of our expert medical negligence solicitors.
