Diagnostic & Screening Failure Claims

Screening-programme failures, lab errors, and delayed cancer diagnosis.

Independent medical expert evidence where required
Clear written costs information before you proceed
Strict time limits apply. Early advice is important
Clinical negligence claims are generally outside the Injuries Resolution Board process

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Law Society of Ireland, Practising Solicitors

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3 min read Last reviewed 20 May 2026 Reviewed by Ciara McPhillips, Principal Solicitor

About Diagnostic & Screening Failures claims in Ireland

Following the CervicalCheck controversy, screening-programme negligence remains a significant claim category. Typical cases involve misread cervical smears, missed cancers on mammography, BowelScreen and FIT test failures, histopathology and laboratory reporting errors, delayed cancer diagnosis where abnormal results were not followed up, specialist referrals not made, and missed fractures on X-ray. Below are the specific claim types we investigate within this category.

Claim types in this category

Bowel / Colon Cancer Misdiagnosis Claims

Receiving a diagnosis of bowel cancer is a life-altering event. It brings immediate fear, uncertainty, and a difficult road of treatment.

BowelScreen / FIT Test Negligence Claims

The National Bowel Screening Programme, known as BowelScreen, is a vital public health service designed to detect early signs of bowel cancer in people

Breast Cancer Misdiagnosis Claims

Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis is a life-altering event that brings immense physical and emotional challenges.

Cervical Smear (CervicalCheck) Misread Claims

Receiving a diagnosis of cervical cancer is a life-altering event. It brings with it a wave of shock, fear, and uncertainty.

Failure to Follow Up Abnormal Test Results Claims

When you undergo medical testing,whether it is a routine blood test at your GP surgery, a scan in a hospital, or a biopsy after a procedure,you place an

Failure to Refer to Specialist Claims

The Irish healthcare system relies heavily on a structured chain of command.

Histopathology Misdiagnosis Claims

When you undergo a medical test, particularly a biopsy or tissue sampling procedure, you place an immense amount of trust in the result.

Interventional Radiology Procedure Negligence Claims

Interventional radiology represents one of the most significant advancements in modern medicine.

Laboratory / Pathology Misreporting Claims

Modern medicine relies heavily on accurate data.

Mammogram Misinterpretation Claims

When you undergo a mammogram, whether through the national screening programme or a referral from your GP, you place immense trust in the result.

Missed Fracture (e.g., Scaphoid, C-spine) Claims

Broken bones are a common injury, yet they are frequently missed, even in busy clinical settings where staff are working under significant pressure.

Prostate Cancer Misdiagnosis Claims

Receiving a diagnosis of prostate cancer is a life-altering event.

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