Lost or Misread Test Result Claims

Making a claim for lost or misread test results

Receiving the right test results promptly can be the difference between life and death so it’s essential that you get yours. When your test results are lost or misread, this can cause delays in getting you the right treatment, which can then have a huge impact on your health.

Whatever the test, the minimum you should expect is to have your results come back to you. But when they don’t, this is a form of medical negligence. And you have the right to make a claim for compensation after suffering from this negligence.

Lost test results

Every time you have a test by a doctor or healthcare provider, it gets sent for analysis and the results are then returned to your doctor or sent straight to you. When mistakes happen during this process, your test results could end up being lost.

This then means that you have to wait to be tested again and you then have to wait to receive your results again – time that could have been spent on getting the right treatment. When your test results or medical records are lost, you risk your health condition getting worse.

Misread test results

When your test results are misread, you risk a misdiagnosis. Your test results could be misread in the laboratory or by your primary healthcare provider, such as your GP. When this happens, you might be told that you don’t have the illness you were being tested for when, in reality, you do. This means you go even longer without the treatment that could lead to your recovery.

You could also be told that you have one condition when you have another one entirely. This could result in you being treated for the wrong illness, which could have a significant negative impact on your long-term health.

Why should I make a claim for a lost or misread test result?

When you’re worried about your health, the last thing you should have to deal with is negligence by those who should help you.

Whether you suffered a lost or misread test result by an NHS or private healthcare provider, you could make a claim for compensation. This could help you get the treatment you need to get back on your feet or make you more comfortable.

You are entitled to proper healthcare by providers. When they fall short and make avoidable mistakes, you are then entitled to compensation for the pain and suffering you then experience.

Is there a time limit for making a claim?

In most cases, you have three years to make a claim for compensation after medical negligence resulted in your test results being lost or misread. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.

Children have three years from their 18^th birthday to make a claim, and if you’re claiming on behalf of someone who lacks the mental capacity to claim for themselves, you will not face a time limit.

It’s advisable to begin the claims process as quickly as you can. This will enable you to recall the details of what happened clearer and will give your solicitor the best chance of getting hold of the evidence you will need to give you the best chance of making a successful claim.

How can First4Lawyers help?

If you have any questions about the process of claiming, First4Lawyers’ friendly and understanding claims advisors will talk you through it, giving you the confidence to go ahead. We will help work out the best next steps for your situation.

We also work with expert No Win No Fee medical negligence solicitors, who can help you put together the strongest claim possible.

To find out more about how First4Lawyers can help you during this difficult time, just give us a call, request a call back or start your claim online.