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Cancer is an insidious disease that can strike fast. Timely diagnosis is key to successful cancer treatment. Cancer diagnoses can be difficult, and many medical professionals may want to rule out other possibilities first. In some situations, however, a doctor fails to diagnose cancer. When this happens, it causes more pain and suffering for the victim and increases their risk of complications and death.
If you or your loved one had a medical professional who failed to diagnose your cancer, you are entitled to compensation. A medical malpractice lawyer from Regan Zambri Long can review your case and discuss your legal options. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 202-960-4596.
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How do you know you have cancer if a doctor fails to diagnose it? Failure to diagnose does not mean you never receive a diagnosis. It means that, in general, another healthcare provider diagnoses you.
Say you go to your doctor with complaints that could indicate cancer, but your doctor does not order any tests to check. You later have an appointment with another healthcare provider–perhaps a different primary care doctor or a specialist– who hears your complaints, orders some tests, and diagnoses your cancer. If your symptoms have been the same or worsened since you first mentioned them, you may have a medical malpractice case.
A 2019 study noted that 46 percent of primary care diagnostic errors were related to cancer diagnoses. A doctor’s failure to diagnose is a serious breach of duty.
Some forms of cancer grow so slowly that they are not usually a great risk to patients. Others, however, grow quickly. The National Cancer Institute estimates 2 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer in 2024. Some cancers require immediate treatment for any chance of success.
A delayed diagnosis, then, can have a massive impact on the well-being and lifespan of the patient. Failure to diagnose can cause:
Healthcare providers are required to meet certain standards of care for their patients. This includes timely diagnoses, proper medication and prescriptions, and the right treatment plans.
When a medical specialist fails to meet medical standards, you often have a medical malpractice claim.
A standard of care is a recognized professional standard that is practiced among healthcare providers and the industry as a whole. A reasonable doctor will operate within the standard of care. For the diagnosis of cancer, this may include:
Valuable time is lost when the presence of cancer is missed or overlooked. Diagnosing cancer in time is crucial to proper treatment.
To recover compensation for your cancer claim, you must prove that your healthcare professional failed to recognize your cancer diagnosis. You will also need to show that another doctor with similar training and expertise would have recognized your signs of cancer.
Proof will include:
The medical malpractice attorneys at Regan Zambri Long will assist you in collecting evidence that proves your claim. You must also file within the statute of limitations—the timeline allowed for making a personal injury claim. Washington, DC, allows victims three years to file a claim.
Any cancer may be missed or misdiagnosed by a medical provider. However, some kinds of cancer are more common than others. These include:
At Regan Zambri Long, we know that cancer diagnoses can be earth-shattering. When medical experts fail to diagnose, you may feel betrayed and angry. And while we cannot get back the time you have lost, we can ensure that the provider is held accountable for their medical negligence.
A medical malpractice claim can be overwhelming for cancer patients and their families. Regan Zambri Long’s cancer misdiagnosis lawyers will take on the legal burden so that your family can seek healing in peace.
Our law firm will prove that your doctor did not uphold the duty of care and that another reasonable doctor would have provided a proper diagnosis.
Meet with a personal injury lawyer from Regan Zambri Long, who is experienced in cancer malpractice lawsuits. Our lawyers have years of experience with cancer misdiagnosis cases.
Our team works on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t require any payment until we’ve recovered in your favor. Do not let mounting medical expenses keep you from seeking an experienced attorney for your medical malpractice lawsuit.
When a doctor fails to diagnose your cancer, you are entitled to compensation that covers:
You and your loved ones deserve a correct diagnosis. When doctors fail, you must contact the cancer misdiagnosis attorneys at Regan Zambri Long. Schedule a free case evaluation today online or by calling 202-960-4596.
