Cancer is a devastating disease that, if undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, can lead to catastrophic results. Many types of cancer, such as breast cancer, skin cancer, and cervical cancer, commonly go undiagnosed even though they can be quickly detected by tests that are readily available to doctors. When a medical professional fails to diagnose cancer due to negligence, the doctor puts his or her patients in severe danger. If you have suffered due to delayed cancer diagnosis, contact a Fort Lauderdale Cancer Attorney immediately.
Broward County Lawyer for Failure to Diagnose Cancer
Failing to diagnose cancer is a major error on the part of a medical professional. It can lead to devastating effects or even death. If you or a loved one has suffered due to negligent actions of medical staff, contact Lisa Levine today. We serve residents in and around Broward County, including the cities, of Miramar, Fort Lauderdale, Weston, and Hollywood.
Injury Victim
With over 35 years of legal experience, Lisa Levine of Lisa S. Levine P.A. has the knowledge and resources to handle any personal injury case. We will fight for the compensation you deserve, and we won’t charge you anything if you are not awarded compensation. Call us today, free of charge, to discuss the details of your personal injury claim.
Common Types of Misdiagnosed Cancer
Common forms of cancer that go undiagnosed in Broward County include:
- Lung Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
- Colorectal Cancer
- Kidney/Renal Cancer
- Bladder Cancer
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
- Thyroid Cancer
- Endometrial Cancer
- Stomach Cancer
- Leukemia
- Testicular Cancer
Your physician has a duty to give you the most accurate and complete diagnosis possible. If he or she fails to accurately diagnose you due to negligence or lack of diligence on his or her part, you could be entitled to file a lawsuit for medical malpractice.
Reasons Why Doctors Fail to Diagnose Cancer
In many cases, a physician’s failure to accurately diagnose patients is directly related to negligent medical practices. Failing to properly analyze blood tests, mammograms, biopsies, and other cancer related tests can prevent the doctor from diagnosing the patient. Examples of actions leading to misdiagnoses include:
- Symptoms that are commonly related to cancer are ignored
- An X-Ray or MRI is misread
- Failure to order the appropriate tests
- Test results are not accurately reported
- The physician fails to refer the patient to a specialist who could further analyze his or her symptoms and tests
Any time a healthcare professional fails to accurately diagnose a disease, it is a serious error on his or her part. This error is magnified when the disease he or she failed to diagnose is as life threatening as cancer. Many times, the earlier cancer is detected the greater the chance an individual will have of surviving it.
Types of Compensation a Fort Lauderdale Cancer Attorney Help Recover in a Failure to Diagnose Claim
If a physician has misdiagnosed you or a loved one, and it has led to increased pain and suffering or even death, you may be able to receive compensation for the damages you’ve suffered as a result of medical malpractice on the part of the doctor or hospital. Some of the damages you or a loved one may sue for due to a delayed cancer diagnosis include but are not limited to:
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Lost wages
- Medical treatment
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Disability
- Emotional distress
- Decrease in quality of life
- Loss of companionship
- Reduced capacity to work
- Wrongful death
Physicians are trained and have the necessary resources and capabilities to accurately diagnose diseases. If they fail to use their training and the resources available to them, and instead rely on incomplete medical tactics to diagnose patients, a Fort Lauderdale cancer attorney can help hold them responsible for their negligent actions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cancer Misdiagnosis Claims
When Does Misdiagnosis Of Cancer Qualify As Malpractice?
Not all cancer misdiagnosis cases are cause for a medical malpractice claim. Some circumstances in which misdiagnosis of cancer may rise to the level of medical malpractice include:
– Failure to recognize reasonably apparent symptoms of cancer.
– Not ordering the appropriate cancer testing and screening.
– Failing to conduct follow up tests based on positive or abnormal results of original test.
– Not taking into account a patient’s medical history of cancer or family history of cancer during diagnosis.
Read more about when cancer misdiagnosis qualifies at malpractice.
What’s the Statute of Limitations for Cancer Misdiagnosis Lawsuit in Florida?
Statute of limitations refers to the time limit in which the law allows someone to file a lawsuit. The time limits vary from state to state and the type of lawsuit. In Florida, patients filing a lawsuit for cancer misdiagnosis usually have only 2 years in which to file a medical malpractice claim.
Learn more about the statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims in Florida.
What Role do Expert Witnesses Play in Florida Cancer Misdiagnosis Claims?
Medical malpractice cases are incredibly complex both legally and scientifically. Most judges and jury members do not have the necessary in-depth medical expertise to be able to determine fault in such cases. That’s why expert witnesses are needed — to help judges and juries understand the medical and scientific facts they will have to consider in the case.
Learn more about the role of expert witnesses in malpractice cases.
Dedicated Fort Lauderdale Cancer Attorney in Fort Lauderdale
If you or a loved one has been subjected to prolonged suffering and delayed medical service due to the medical staff’s inability to effectively diagnose cancer, you may be entitled to file a lawsuit against them to recover compensation for the damages you have suffered.
Lisa S. Levine P.A. provides legal representation to individuals in Broward County, including the cities of Fort Lauderdale, Weston, Miramar, Hollywood, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today at (954) 256-1820 to schedule your free consultation.
