Missed Diagnosis Of Cancer
A missed cancer diagnosis can have a dramatic impact on a patient’s prognosis and chances of recovery. Early detection is a key part of cancer treatment, and a misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis can mean the patient does not get the care they need. This can allow the cancer to grow to a more advanced stage or even metastasize to other parts of the body.
Because this is such a serious form of medical malpractice, it can be beneficial to work with a missed cancer diagnosis attorney in Houston, Texas. At Reaud, Morgan & Quinn, L.L.P., we have nearly 50 years of experience that we bring to every case. Our team of misdiagnosis lawyers has recovered over $25 billion for our clients. We also offer free, confidential consultations.
How Common Is A Misdiagnosis?
Annually, there are over 12 million misdiagnosed cancer cases across the United States. 44% of them involve various types of cancer such as breast cancer, skin cancer, prostate cancer or thyroid cancer. Often, a misdiagnosis can be life-threatening for a patient.
Why Does A Misdiagnosis Occur?
When you work with our missed cancer diagnosis attorneys, one step we will take is to investigate the reasons for the mistake. For a medical malpractice case, it is necessary to demonstrate that a medical professional owed a duty of care to the patient and then made negligent mistakes or did not uphold the expected standard of care.
During this process, we can help you determine why the misdiagnosis occurred. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Misreading the results of tests or scans
- Not authorizing proper tests to screen for cancer
- Doctors making paperwork or communication mistakes
- Medical provider burnout or fatigue
- Issues with a patient’s medical history such as incomplete records
- Negligent failure to carefully listen to patients as they describe their symptoms
Often, cancer is misdiagnosed as a different condition, such as mesothelioma being misdiagnosed as a stomach ulcer or skin cancer being misdiagnosed as a benign mole or acne. It is important to note that even if the correct diagnosis is eventually made, an unnecessary delay can still have a serious impact on your health and your chances of making a full recovery once treatment begins.
Call For A Consultation
Our team of Houston, Texas, attorneys can help you delve into the details of your case, gather evidence and determine the long-term ramifications to your health, earnings and the medical treatment you will need. To get started with a free and confidential consultation, call us at (409) 838-1000 or use the online contact form.