Lung cancer claims

A late or missed lung cancer diagnosis can have devastating consequences for you and your family. If failures in medical care led to those mistakes, you may be entitled to make a lung cancer claim.

GET IN TOUCH 0330 175 8740

Trustpilot
TOP-RANKED LEGAL EXPERTS CHAMBERS & LEGAL 500
NO WIN, NO FEE

Author

Georgina Tither

Associate Solicitor & Team Leader

Last Updated

19th July 2026

Can I make a lung cancer claim?

Lung cancer claims can be made when you or a loved one has suffered harm due to a failure in the diagnosis or treatment of lung cancer. Whether that means a delayed diagnosis, a misdiagnosis, or negligent treatment, the consequences can be serious, and in some cases, fatal. Early detection matters enormously with lung cancer, and when avoidable errors take that chance away from patients, the impact can be profound.

You may be able to make a lung cancer negligence claim if any of the following happened to you or a loved one: GP failed to recognise warning signs or make a referral for further investigation, despite repeated concerns; chest X-rays, CT scans, or biopsies were not arranged or carried out in a timely way; imaging or biopsy results were misread or incorrectly reported; an abnormal test result was not acted upon, leading to a delayed diagnosis; a lung cancer diagnosis was missed entirely, resulting in a more advanced stage at detection; the wrong treatment was given, worsening the condition or quality of life; lung cancer was wrongly diagnosed, causing unnecessary distress and treatment; a treating doctor failed to identify that the cancer had spread, affecting treatment decisions; medical history or symptoms were not properly documented or considered.

It’s important to note that not every delayed diagnosis is the result of negligence. Lung cancer can be difficult to detect early, and some delays occur despite appropriate care. However, when delays stem from avoidable errors such as ignoring red-flag symptoms, failing to refer for appropriate tests, or misinterpreting scan results, they may form the basis for a claim.

Even if you are unsure whether your situation qualifies, or if some time has passed, it is still worth seeking legal guidance. Our specialist medical negligence team is here to help you understand your options and guide you through every step.

Example of a lung cancer claim

A patient visits their GP on several occasions over 18 months, reporting a persistent cough, breathlessness, and unexplained weight loss. Despite these red-flag symptoms, no referral for a chest X-ray or specialist review is made. When lung cancer is eventually diagnosed, it’s at an advanced stage, at which point curative treatment is no longer possible. If the GP failed to follow the expected standard of care by not investigating or referring appropriately, this could form the basis of a valid lung cancer negligence claim.

Related lung cancer claims we support

Expertise you can trust

9/10 clients would recommend us
AVMA Panel Members
Over 400 specialists in our Medical Negligence team

What compensation can help with

Woman wearing a headscarf sitting on a couch indoors

Securing financial support to access the care you need.

If you’ve experienced lung cancer negligence, compensation can recover costs from a wide range of losses. This includes the physical and emotional impact of what you have been through, as well as the practical financial pressures that can follow a delayed or missed diagnosis.

Making a lung cancer negligence claim often means that you and your family can have the financial security you need to access additional care and treatment. In cases where a loved one has passed away, families can also claim compensation to help with associated costs and any loss of financial dependency on that person.

Successful lung cancer claims may help fund:

Medical expenses, including the cost of additional treatment made necessary by the negligence
Loss of earnings, both current and future, if you have had to reduce or stop working
Ongoing care and support needs at home or in a specialist setting
Psychological support and counselling for you and affected family members
Travel and transport costs related to treatment and recovery
Pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life
Financial losses suffered by family members following a bereavement caused by negligence

Understanding the potential value

We’ve secured millions of pounds in compensation for clients affected by cancer negligence, including a settlement of £155,000 for a client whose delayed treatment led to the incurable spread of cancer. The woman we supported tragically passed away, and the settlement went some way to securing the financial security of her family. The value of your lung cancer claim will depend on the stage at which the cancer was eventually diagnosed, the treatment options that were lost as a result of the delay, the impact on your life, and your ongoing care and support needs.

Understanding special and general damages

All settlements are made up of general damages and special damages. General damages address the non-financial impact of your injury, including pain and suffering and the effect on your day-to-day life. Special damages cover the specific financial losses you can evidence, from medical treatment and rehabilitation costs to lost income and travel expenses. Our team will make sure both are carefully calculated and properly reflected in your claim.

Specialist lung cancer negligence solicitors

We specialise in complex cancer negligence cases, including lung cancer claims.

Why choose Fletchers for your lung cancer claim?

Experiencing negligent lung cancer care can bring significant emotional and practical challenges. Particularly if the delay to our diagnosis means that your life expectancy is affected. Managing this type of claim is very sensitive, and often involves detailed clinical evidence and deeply personal circumstances. Having the right specialist team around you makes a real difference to the outcome of your claim and how you experience the process. At Fletchers, our medical negligence solicitors combine specialist legal expertise with genuine care, so you always feel informed, supported, and in safe hands.

Expertise you can rely on

Specialist medical negligence solicitors with extensive experience in cancer negligence claims, including lung cancer
Recognised as one of the UK’s leading medical negligence law firms
Millions of pounds recovered in compensation for clients affected by negligent cancer care
Successful settlements in lung cancer, mouth cancer, skin cancer, and other cancer negligence cases
A dedicated case handler who will guide you with care and transparency at every stage
Rated highly by the clients we have supported for communication, care, and outcomes
‘No Win, No Fee’, meaning you can pursue your claim without financial risk

You're not alone

We understand what you and your family are going through.

A lung cancer diagnosis is one of the most frightening things a person can face. When that diagnosis comes late, or when treatment has fallen short of the standard you deserved, the sense of loss and injustice can be overwhelming. You may be asking what might have been different, and whether anyone can be held to account.

We also know that the impact extends far beyond the physical. Many of our clients tell us they experienced anxiety, grief, and uncertainty – not just about their health, but about their finances, families, and future. Often, people come to us no longer able to work, meaning that they face lost earnings at a time when mounting care costs really add to the pressure.

We have supported many people in this position – and we can do this for you, too. Our team will listen and take on the burden of the legal process on your behalf, providing clarity, support, and someone genuinely on your side.

People we’ve supported

1/3

VIEW ALL STORIES

FAQs about lung cancer claims

How long do I have to make a lung cancer claim?

In most lung cancer claims, you have three years from the date of the negligent incident, or the date you first became aware of it, to make a claim. The latter is known as the ‘date of knowledge’.

There are some important exceptions:

If the claim is for a child, the three-year limit starts on their 18th birthday
There is no time limit if the person lacks the mental capacity to bring a claim themselves
If you are claiming on behalf of someone who has passed away, you typically have three years from the date of death, or from the date of a post-mortem or inquest, if that revealed the negligence

We recommend seeking legal advice as soon as possible to protect your right to claim.

How much does it cost to make a lung cancer claim?

At Fletchers, we handle lung cancer negligence claims on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis. This means there are no upfront costs to start your claim.

If your claim is successful, we will deduct a pre-agreed success fee from your compensation. This is a small percentage of the total amount awarded, as agreed with you at the outset. If your claim is unsuccessful, you will not pay us anything, giving you complete peace of mind.

We will always explain the costs clearly before proceeding, so there are no surprises.

What counts as lung cancer negligence?

Lung cancer negligence occurs when a healthcare professional fails to meet the expected standard of care in diagnosing or treating your condition, and that failure causes you harm. This can include a GP failing to refer you despite red-flag symptoms, misreading scan or biopsy results, a failure to act on abnormal test results, or providing incorrect treatment.

Not every delayed diagnosis amounts to negligence; lung cancer can be genuinely difficult to detect early. But when delays are caused by avoidable errors or a failure to follow accepted clinical guidelines, there may be grounds for a claim. We will review your situation carefully and give you an honest assessment.

Can I claim if a loved one has died following a lung cancer misdiagnosis?

If a family member has passed away as a result of negligent lung cancer care, you may be able to bring a claim on their behalf. The three-year time limit typically applies from the date of death, or from the date of a post-mortem or inquest that revealed the negligence.

Compensation in fatal claims can cover associated costs, loss of financial dependency, and the bereavement impact on the family. We handle these cases with sensitivity and care, supporting you through every stage.

What evidence is needed for a lung cancer negligence claim?

We will gather the evidence needed on your behalf. This typically includes:

Your full medical records, including GP notes, referral letters, scan reports, biopsy results, and hospital correspondence

Independent expert opinion from specialist clinicians who can assess whether the standard of care fell short

You do not need to gather this yourself. Once you instruct us, we will take on all of that work so you don’t have to chase doctors or medical providers.

What support will I receive during my claim?

You will have a dedicated case handler who understands the sensitive nature of your situation and will keep you informed at every stage. We will explain things thoroughly, in plain language, so you always know what is happening and what comes next.

We will also connect you with any additional support you may need, whether it’s help understanding your treatment options, emotional support resources, or practical guidance for your family. Our focus is on making the process as clear and manageable as possible for you.