The client had a large mole on her back and consulted her GP. The GP said there were no malignant features and sent her home stating there were no concerns and no need for a referral for further investigations.
Two years later, the appearance of the mole changed, becoming red, inflamed, and larger. The client consulted another GP in the same practice who made an immediate referral to hospital. She was diagnosed with a malignant melanoma. She received treatment but the melanoma had progressed considerably and not too long after, she sadly passed away.
Liability was disputed and proceedings were issued. A settlement meeting secured a six-figure sum that compensated the family for the loss of his wife’s support. Had an earlier referral and diagnosis been made, the cancer would have been a stage 2a and the survival rate would have been higher.