A Delayed Cancer Diagnosis: Common Causes and Consequences
Cancer Diagnosis Statistics
Do you know anyone who has suffered from cancer? Global statistics indicate that almost four out of every ten people will get diagnosed with some form of cancer within their life.
When you’re suffering, identifying and treating the cause is a time-sensitive matter. Delaying a diagnosis increases suffering, reduces the likelihood of recovery and can cause irreparable damage including death. What would cause a doctor to delay a cancer diagnosis? What should you do if you or your family were impacted by a delayed cancer diagnosis in Pennsylvania?
Common Causes of a Delayed Cancer Diagnosis
Untreated cancer inevitably leads to immense suffering. Statistics continue to reveal that cancer is the leading cause of death in developed nations. What could cause a doctor’s cancer diagnosis to be delayed? Here are a few of the most commonly reported reasons:
- The patient’s failure to recognize and report cancer symptoms
- The doctor’s failure to recognize cancer symptoms
- Poor communication between the doctor and patient
- Failure to consider the patient’s medical history or family history
- Poor medical practice
- Willful negligence
Keep in mind that it’s not possible to definitively diagnose cancer in every situation. Negligence is not always the primary cause of a delayed diagnosis.
Consequences of a Delayed Cancer Diagnosis
What happens when a delayed diagnosis prevents you from getting the treatment you need to feel better? Here’s a brief overview of the types of losses you could suffer as a result of delayed cancer diagnosis:
- Significant increases in medical bills
- Lost ability to work or return to work
- Loss of earning capacity
- Decrease in your quality of life
- Substantial pain and suffering
If you find your losses piling up, then it may be time to consider pursuing compensation. If your doctor or healthcare provider’s negligence directly caused the delay in the diagnosis, then you could have legal recourse.
What Can I Do After a Delayed Cancer Diagnosis in PA?
If you’re considering pursuing a lawsuit to financially recover from delayed diagnosis, here’s what you’ll need to prove in court:
- A doctor-patient relationship existed
- The doctor’s level of care fell below the standard of care expected of them
- This negligence directly led to the delayed diagnosis
- The patient suffered harm as a result
Do you have more questions about how to pursue a claim against a negligent doctor? Reach out to a medical malpractice attorney to get all the answers.
Contact A Medical Malpractice Attorney for a Consultation About Your Delayed Cancer Diagnosis Case in Pennsylvania
Were you or a loved one injured due to a cancer misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose cancer in Pennsylvania? Then you need to talk to an experienced medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible for guidance on how to proceed. The Pittsburgh delayed cancer diagnosis attorneys at Berger & Lagnese, LLC are prepared to assist you with your legal claim. We represent victims of negligent surgeons, doctors, nurses, and pharmacists throughout Pennsylvania, including Pittsburgh, New Castle, Erie, and Lawrence. Call us today at 412-471-4300 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation. Our main office is located at 310 Grant Street, Suite 720, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.