Almost every person’s life has been affected by cancer in some way. Lung, breast, colon, and prostate cancers kill hundreds of thousands of people every year, but thankfully, advances in diagnosis and medical treatment have reduced those numbers. Life-saving treatment can’t begin until an accurate diagnosis is given, and when a doctor fails to make that diagnosis properly, a person or their survivors can bring a malpractice claim.
When is a Physician Considered Negligent?
The failure to provide a timely diagnosis can cause unnecessary suffering, insurmountable debt, and even preventable death. If a physician or another professional does not diagnose a patient’s cancer, it may be considered medical negligence. The patient or their survivors can then bring a claim, if the following criteria are met:
- A doctor/patient relationship exists
- A physician has deviated from the normal care standard
- The deviation has caused a serious injury or a death
Situations that result in a failed diagnosis are varied, and may include:
- Not ordering diagnostic tests like PET scans, CT, scans, MRI, blood tests, and biopsies
- Misinterpreted test results
- Diagnosing cancer as another illness
- Misidentifying the type of cancer a patient has
If you or a family member has ever suffered damages from an improper cancer diagnosis, a medical malpractice lawyer in Naperville can provide valuable legal advice and advocacy.
Call a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Today
A person who has been victimized by medical malpractice may be able to request compensation for their damages, including lost income, medical bills, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, and lost quality of life. To schedule a no-obligation consultation with a medical malpractice lawyer in Naperville visit Shea Law Group today.
