It is commonly known that early detection of cancer is important for the treatment of cancer. The possibility of surviving certain cancers, including colon cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer and cervical cancer, as well as other types of cancer, are better when the cancer is detected early on. In general, medical patients expect and trust that they are carefully treated and properly diagnosed.
When cancer symptoms are ignored by medical professionals, or not properly diagnosed, potential treatment can be delayed placing the patient at greater risk. Delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis can result in an untimely death or in more expensive or unpleasant treatments that otherwise might not have been necessary had the cancer been promptly, and properly, diagnosed. Treatments following a delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis may result in physical, financial, and emotional harm to the patient and the patient’s family.
Medical malpractice situations and circumstances can be complex and technical. When a delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis has resulted in a worsened condition, victims or family members of victims may have a claim for damages. Medical professionals or medical facilities that have provided negligent care, such as delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis, may be liable to compensate victims and their families for the damages they have suffered as a result of the negligent care they have received.
Though being the victim of medical malpractice can be overwhelming, the legal process provides options for victims that may offer accountability and help with healing. Victims harmed by medical malpractice should be aware of the resources and remedies that may be available to help them when harmed.