Last Updated on May 28, 2025 by tanya

Multiple Myeloma Misdiagnosis

How And When To Claim For Compensation

Being diagnosed with multiple myeloma is a profound event for anyone, so experiencing a multiple myeloma misdiagnosis would be extremely distressing. It is a form of blood cancer and misdiagnosis may result in unnecessary pain, missed opportunities for timely treatment and a loss in quality of life.

If you have suffered from a misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of multiple myeloma, you may want to find out more about a medical negligence compensation. It is important that you keep a copy of all your medical records related to the condition and to seek a second opinion.

Regarding a claim, Jefferies Claim may be able to help. It is important to know that we work with lawyers who operate on a ‘No Fee, No Win’ basis.

 

What Is Multiple Myeloma?

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells found in the bone marrow. Symptoms can be vague and may overlap with various other conditions, such as:

 

• Persistent fatigue
• Bone pain (often in the back or ribs)
• Frequent infections
• Unexplained weight loss
• Kidney dysfunction

 

Due to the nonspecific nature of these symptoms, multiple myeloma is sometimes misdiagnosed as more common conditions such as:

 

• Osteoporosis
• Arthritis
• Chronic back pain
• Anaemia
• Renal insufficiency

 

Unfortunately, such misdiagnoses or delays in proper testing can allow the disease to progress unchecked, reducing the positive impact of treatment and worsening prognosis.

 

The Impact of a Delayed or Missed Diagnosis

A delayed or incorrect diagnosis of multiple myeloma can have serious consequences, which may include:

Disease Progression

Early treatment is critical in managing multiple myeloma. A missed diagnosis means the cancer continues to cause damage.

Increased Pain and Suffering

Delayed diagnosis usually results in prolonged pain and discomfort.

Reduced Treatment Options

Early-stage treatment often includes medication and less invasive therapy. Once the disease advances, patients may require more aggressive treatments with greater side effects.

Emotional and Psychological Toll

Depression, anxiety, and loss of trust in healthcare providers are common when misdiagnosis or a delayed diagnosis occurs.

Financial Hardship

Patients may be faced with increased medical costs, loss of income due to inability to work, and additional care needs. All of these can be a financial drain on income.

 

Are You Eligible to Claim Compensation?

If you or a loved one have suffered due to a delayed or incorrect diagnosis of multiple myeloma you may be eligible to pursue a medical negligence claim. To be successful, you’ll need to show that:

 

• A duty of care the medical professional or institution owed you a duty of care.
• A breach of that duty occurred, which means the standard of care fell below what is reasonably expected.
• Harm was caused as a direct result of that breach.

 

Steps to Take if You Suspect Misdiagnosis

 

Request Your Medical Records

Obtain your full medical history, including consultation notes, test results, imaging reports, and referrals. You are allowed to request your records and these documents can help establish what was missed and when.

 

2. Seek a Second Opinion

If you haven’t already, consult another specialist to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of the disease progression.

 

3. Contact a Medical Negligence Solicitor

Engage a solicitor who specialises in medical negligence. They will assess whether your case is valid and guide you through the process.

 

Many cases are settled out of court through negotiation. Your solicitor will negotiate for you and will handle any legal proceedings which may arise..

 

Time Limits for Making a Claim

You generally have three years from the date you became aware, or should have become aware that you suffered harm due to negligence. For children or individuals lacking mental capacity, different rules apply:

• Children: The three-year limit begins from their 18th birthday.
• Mental incapacity: No time limit applies while the individual is unable to make decisions for themselves.

It’s important to seek legal advice as soon as possible, even if you’re unsure whether you have a claim. As time goes on, crucial evidence may be lost or misplaced.

 

Potential Compensation

Compensation in medical negligence cases typically covers:

 

General Damages

These compensate for pain, suffering, and loss of amenity due to the misdiagnosis or delayed treatment.

 

Special Damages

These cover financial losses, including:

• Lost earnings (past and future)
• Medical expenses (private treatment, medication)
• Travel costs
• Care and support needs
• Adaptations to your home, if necessary

 

The amount of compensation varies depending on the severity of your case, the extent of your suffering, and the financial impact. Awards can range from tens of thousands to several hundred thousand pounds or more.

 

Need Help?

Being misdiagnosed or having your diagnosis delayed can have serious consequences, when dealing with a serious illness like multiple myeloma. If you or a loved one has been misdiagnosed or received a delayed diagnosis for multiple myeloma,  compensation can provide vital financial support wen you need it most.

First Personal Injury can guide you through the process to get the compensation you deserve. We work with experienced lawyers who work on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis. Call us at 0333 358 2345 or contact us online for a free consultation.

 

This article provides general legal information and should not be construed as legal or medical advice. In all instances you should always consult with a medical professional around life expectancy questions.