Melanoma Stage 4 - Personal Injury Claim?

[Mike]

Have been going to the doctors for a few years getting skin spots/cancers cut out on my head / face / shoulders and upper back. Doctor sent me to a specialist and he has now told me that I have Stage 4 as it has spread in my body. He has strongly suggested that I engage personal injury lawyers to make a claim.

Is their specialists to do this sort of work and what is involved? I used to work with the public works and in the construction industry for many years but never stayed in many places for too long so what do I do about my work history. And maybe someone can explain to me in plain English what Stage 4 is. It sounded complicated when the specialist told me and do I really need a lawyer.

Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[Mike]

Thanks heaps Worldly1, I currently live in Bairnsdale which is about two to three hours out of Melbourne. I will call the Helpline tomorrow and do you have any idea what sort of paperwork I will need to have for the lawyer. I will try to contact one of the law firms tomorrow also. Thanks for having this sort of website. Thanks again, and if anybody else has any more information on my melanoma stage, please feel free to let me know. I guess the main thing for me to do now is to contact a lawyer to get my claim established. Mick

 

[Worldly1]

The Cancer Council Australia has a Melanoma information page that includes some information on Stage 4. You can also call the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20. The Melanoma Institute Australia also has some useful information.

I think that in this particular situation, you should see a lawyer straight away.
One of those firms may well have a lawyer in either Traralgon or Morwell who has experience in personal injury / medical negligence for your situation. Otherwise, yes, its a bit of a trek to get to the city.

Make sure you bring all your doctors / specialists reports, notes and receipts (and anything else that is relevant). Also write down situation chronologically with dates - what happened when, so that you can explain things clearly to the lawyer so they can understand your case fully.