We Hold Medical Professionals Responsible When They Fail To Diagnose Cancer
The failure to diagnose cancer in time for a successful treatment can result in permanent injury or death. If this happened to you or a member of your family, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit.
At Lozner & Mastropietro, our experienced lawyers will investigate the important and necessary questions to determine whether you have a valid medical malpractice claim:
- Would another doctor with similar training have made the correct diagnosis in a timely manner?
- Would another doctor with similar training, having made the diagnosis, have properly treated the cancer and prevented the injury?
If we find the answer is “yes” to any of these questions, the treating physician may be responsible for medical malpractice.
Under the statute of limitations, there is a limited amount of time in which you are allowed to pursue legal action for misdiagnosis of cancer. It is therefore imperative that you get prompt legal advice from an attorney who is familiar with medical malpractice and who has access to a variety of medical experts.
To speak with one of our experienced attorneys regarding the misdiagnosis of your cancer, please contact our law office to schedule a complimentary consultation.
Our professional staff offers guidance and counsel in the following failure to diagnose cancer cases:
Failure To Diagnose Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is one of the more common cancers in women. The earlier breast cancer is found and diagnosed, the better your chances of beating it. Screening tests, such as annual mammograms, look for signs of disease in women without symptoms. Common signs of breast cancer in its early stages include a suspicious mass or lump, discharge from the nipple, and a painful or reddened breast. If these symptoms are interpreted correctly, diagnostic actions such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), blood tests and bone scans can be ordered. If you’re over forty or at high risk for the disease, you should have an annual mammogram and physical by a doctor.
You may be able to pursue a medical malpractice claim if your physician:
- Failed to interpret test results properly
- Failed to interpret your signs and symptoms
- Failed to prescribe treatment in a timely manner
- Prescribed improper treatment
Failure To Diagnose Colon/Rectal Cancer
Colon and rectal cancer are second only to lung cancer in the yearly number of deaths. This disease is treatable if detected by a physician at an early stage. If you have no symptoms and are without a history of colorectal cancer or polyps, you still need to be screened. If, however, you have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, or some other reason, such as lifestyle choices that place you in an increased risk category, then you require surveillance exams with a colonoscopy.
There are several common signs of colon and rectal cancer, including complaints of blood in stool, a change in bowel habits, abdominal discomfort, unexplained fatigue, unexplained weight loss or vomiting. You may have a medical malpractice claim if your doctor failed to interpret these signs correctly, or if your physician:
- Misdiagnosed the cancer
- Failed to make the correct diagnosis in a timely manner
- Failed to order surveillance exams, such as a colonoscopy
- Failed to order surveillance exams in a timely manner
- Failed to read test results properly
Failure To Diagnose Uterine/Cervical Cancer
In the United States, about 14,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year and almost 4,000 women die from the disease annually. Regular Pap tests and pelvic exams are important for women because they can detect cancer or abnormalities that may lead to cancer. Abnormalities can be treated before they lead to cancer. If test results are interpreted correctly and in a timely fashion, this cancer can be treatable.
Let Us Review The Facts Of Your Case
At Lozner & Mastropietro, our Brooklyn attorneys are dedicated to helping patients whose cancer was misdiagnosed to recover compensation for themselves and their families. If you believe your cancer was misdiagnosed, not diagnosed in a timely manner or you simply need more information, please call us at 917-920-9431 or use our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions: Medical Malpractice and Hospital Negligence
