When something is wrong with our health, we expect that doctors — skilled, educated, trained, and licensed professionals — will be able to figure things out. We especially hope so when we are faced with a serious or even terminal illness, such as cancer.
The “C” word is very scary to just about everyone. When people think of cancer, they think of death. And this is true in many cases, although some people do beat it and go on to live many more years and even decades.
Something that can be even scarier is not knowing you have cancer until it’s too late. When your doctor could have accurately diagnosed it earlier, it leaves you feeling devastated. What can be done now?
The team at Freidin Brown, P.A. can investigate your case and help you understand your legal rights. Let our Fort Lauderdale failure to diagnose cancer lawyers help you get the largest settlement possible.
What is Failure to Diagnose Cancer?
So what exactly does it mean when a doctor fails to diagnose cancer? It can include various forms of negligence and happen in several ways. For example, a doctor may fail to conduct a biopsy, mammogram, or other necessary tests used to detect cancer. In other cases, a pathologist, radiologist, or lab technician may mishandle the patient’s medical file.
A photo may be misinterpreted, making it so the cancer is undetected.
On top of that, many types of cancer are mistaken for diseases that are less serious. Some examples include the following:
- Lung cancer. May be misdiagnosed as pneumonia, asthma, or bronchitis.
- Colorectal cancer. May be misdiagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s Disease.
- Pancreatic cancer. May be misdiagnosed as gallstones or pancreatitis.
- Thyroid cancer. May be misdiagnosed as a goiter, Graves’ disease, or Lyme disease.
- Breast cancer. May be misdiagnosed as cysts or mastitis.
- Skin cancer. May be misdiagnosed as benign growths, liver spots, skin tags, or warts.
- May be misdiagnosed as fever, flu, or autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS)
Delayed Cancer Diagnosis? Let Us Fight for the Justice You Deserve!
When You Can Sue
When does the failure to diagnose cancer become medical malpractice? Here are some errors and failures that doctors may make that can constitute a lawsuit:
- Failing to diagnose the patient’s cancer by attributing the symptoms to another medical condition
- Failing to recommend a particular cancer screening for a high-risk patient
- Ignoring a patient’s request for blood testing or cancer screening
- Failing to order blood tests and lab work
- Failing to ask the patient about their symptoms
- Failing to make observations about the patient’s condition
- Failing to follow up with the patient after an appointment
Contact Freidin Brown, P.A. Today
Not diagnosing cancer in a timely manner is a serious issue that can come with deadly consequences to your health. If your doctor has been negligent, make sure you understand your legal rights.
Contact our Fort Lauderdale failure to diagnose cancer lawyer at Freidin Brown, P.A. today so we can start investigating your case. Get the compensation you deserve. To schedule a consultation, fill out the online form or call us today.
