Dermot G. O’Donovan Solicitors reach settlement in High Court medical negligence case concerning delayed cervical cancer diagnosis

At Dermot G. O’Donovan Solicitors, we understand that taking a medical negligence claim can feel daunting, especially when you are already dealing with the impact of a diagnosis or treatment that has gone wrong. We aim to make the process as clear and manageable as possible. Our team is approachable, experienced and here to guide you step-by-step, explaining everything clearly and supporting you throughout. 

We recently reached a settlement in a High Court medical negligence action taken on behalf of a 47‑year‑old woman who experienced a delay in the diagnosis of her cervical cancer.

Our client maintained that her 2010 cervical smear was incorrectly reported. Had it been properly interpreted, it would have been identified as abnormal and treated at an early stage, preventing the later development of cervical cancer. 

In 2013, a further smear showed ‘endo cervical adenocarcinoma in situ’, and she underwent a LLETZ procedure. Unfortunately, her condition progressed and she later required a radical hysterectomy. 

A review carried out by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists as part of the CervicalCheck controversy identified a number of cases where smear results were incorrectly reported as negative. 

In this case, expert evidence confirmed that the 2010 smear contained clearly visible abnormal glandular cells that should have been identified. It was concluded that the standard of care fell below what was expected. 

Further expert evidence established that, had the abnormalities been detected at the time, our client could have been treated while the condition was pre-cancerous. This would have avoided the development of cancer and much of the distress she experienced. 

We successfully negotiated a substantial settlement on behalf of our client, recognising the harm caused by the delay in diagnosis. 

How we can help

If you are thinking about bringing a medical negligence claim, we are here to guide you through each step: 

1. We start with a confidential consultation where we listen to your experience and answer your questions. 

2. We obtain and review your medical records in detail. 

3. Independent medical experts are consulted to assess whether the treatment received fell below the standard expected. 

4. We explain your options clearly so you can make informed decisions. 

5. We handle the legal process on your behalf while keeping you updated throughout. 

If you believe you may have been affected by a delayed diagnosis or medical error, please contact Dermot G. O’Donovan Solicitors for a confidential discussion.