GP failure to report abnormal smear result

Our team of specialist clinical negligence lawyers based at Thomson Snell & Passmore’s Tunbridge Wells and Dartford (Thames Gateway) offices, has secured £112,000 for a woman whose GP failed to report her abnormal smear test results, resulting in a two and a half year delay and more invasive treatment.

The claimant attended for another smear test two and a half years later at which time she was informed of the positive results of the previous smear. She was referred to hospital and underwent a loop cone biopsy which revealed two areas of invasive adenocarcinoma (cancer) and cervical glandular intramephithelial neoplasia (abnormal cervical tissue).

The claimant required a laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy (removal of lymph nodes of the pelvis) and radical virginal trachelectomy (removal of the cervix).

The claimant had difficulties falling pregnant after her surgery and required IVF assistance. Unfortunately when she did fall pregnant her daughter was born early at 27 weeks because of cervical incompetence.

The team acting for the claimant, successfully argued that, had the results of the first smear test been correctly acted upon by the GP, then the claimant could have been treated by a much less invasive loop biopsy.

The team were able to negotiate an out-of-court settlement of £112,000 for the claimant, to compensate her for her pain and suffering and the trauma of the premature delivery of her baby.