For nearly every type of cancer, the earlier the diagnosis, the better the prognosis. Early interventions can turn cancer from a life-threatening disease to a treatable ailment, but a delayed diagnosis can be devastating. Sometimes, missed diagnoses are considered medical malpractice, meaning patients may be entitled to financial compensation from their doctors.
However, whether a delayed diagnosis is malpractice depends on the circumstances of each case and whether it led to an injury. A Philadelphia delayed cancer diagnosis lawyer at Marrone Law Firm, LLC, could help you understand whether you have a case and, if so, what your damages may be. Schedule a case evaluation with a cancer malpractice attorney to learn more about your options.
A delayed or missed cancer diagnosis can have potentially deadly consequences. Even slow-growing cancers are progressive diseases, and failing to diagnose as soon as possible can risk the disease spreading, and require more aggressive treatment, such as chemotherapy and radiation. While some, if not both, of these therapies may be required at initial diagnosis, they are likely to be more intense if the cancer has spread.
Understanding the danger of a delayed diagnosis requires an understanding of cancer’s nature. Cancer refers to the growth of mutated, unhealthy cells. These cells spread throughout the body, draining its resources and causing organ malfunction. Cancer can also leave people more vulnerable to disease and infection, putting them at a higher risk of death. The longer the time between the onset of the cancer and the diagnosis, the more time the cancer has to spread throughout the body, causing extensive damage.
Delaying a diagnosis by even a short period of a month or two can lead to a significant increase in the risk of death. While the type of cancer makes a difference, in almost all cases, risk increases with the length of delay. Even if a delay does not lead to death, it could have substantial consequences, making treatment more difficult and time-consuming, causing additional side effects, and leading to long-lasting health problems. Delays may also result in more medical bills and time away from work. Plus, it can exacerbate the pain, suffering, and emotional turmoil related to a cancer diagnosis. A Philadelphia delayed cancer diagnosis attorney could help patients—and their families—get the justice they deserve.
Missed or delayed cancer diagnoses can happen for many reasons, including mistakes in processing blood test results or interpreting imaging. Doctors ignoring or dismissing patient symptoms and failing to order the required tests also play a role in these cases. Today’s annual physical exams by doctors are often rushed, potentially causing medical professionals to miss symptoms of cancer. Sometimes, there are no overt signs of cancer, but unrelated tests suggest further investigation is needed.
Failing to notice an alarming symptom or opting not to order further testing to rule out disease contribute heavily to delayed cancer diagnoses. If these omissions indicate that a doctor has deviated from the standard of care, a Philadelphia attorney may be able to build a malpractice claim based on your delayed cancer diagnosis. While understanding the common ways these errors happen may not cure those who have already been victimized, it can help others advocate for themselves when seeking a diagnosis and treatment.
When deciding if a missed diagnosis might entitle a patient to damages, the courts often use an increased risk of harm test. Did the missed or delayed diagnosis increase the risk of harm? If so, then you may have a case.
A Philadelphia delayed cancer diagnosis lawyer will examine the facts of your case and your medical records to see if you can seek compensation. Start learning more by scheduling a consultation with a respected personal injury lawyer from Marrone Law Firm, LLC.