Can I Sue for a Breast Cancer Misdiagnosis?

 Posted on October 07, 2024 in Medical Malpractice

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, reminding us of the toll that breast cancer can take and the importance of regular screenings and self-exams. As one of the most common forms of cancer, breast cancer is detectable with mammograms, ultrasound, MRIs, and tactile examinations. Unfortunately, breast cancer is sometimes misdiagnosed, potentially causing severe consequences for the patient.

Can you file a medical malpractice claim for a breast cancer misdiagnosis? What compensation is available? A knowledgeable lawyer from Kanoski Bresney can answer your questions during your free consultation, so call us now.

How Is Breast Cancer Misdiagnosed?

Americans trust physicians and other medical professionals to diagnose and treat various ailments and conditions. These healthcare providers are legally obligated to uphold high care standards to avoid harming their patients. When one of them makes a mistake that another medical provider with a similar background would not have made in the same circumstances, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim. You must have suffered harm directly resulting from the medical error to qualify.

A breast cancer misdiagnosis may take many forms, including:

• Missed diagnosis: The provider never identifies the cancer.
• Delayed diagnosis: The provider does identify cancer but not promptly.
• Misdiagnosis: The provider decides that the cancer is a different condition or disease.
• Overdiagnosis: The provider identifies a benign condition as cancerous or misidentifies the stage of a cancer.

These errors can happen because a radiologist does not read test results accurately, delayed ordering of tests, inaccurate biopsies, and incorrect pathology analysis. Technology is not infallible, either. The equipment used to screen and diagnose breast cancer is not always accurate and can produce false-negative or false-positive results.

If you believe you have a medical malpractice case, contact Kanoski Bresney. We can investigate and explain your legal options.

What Are the Potential Consequences of a Breast Cancer Misdiagnosis?

Approximately one in eight women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer during her life. With an early diagnosis, breast cancer is more responsive to medical treatment. Unfortunately, around 34 percent of cases are not diagnosed early, and an estimated 42,250 U.S. women are expected to die from breast cancer in 2024.

When breast cancer is not diagnosed promptly and properly, the patient may face multiple issues. With overdiagnosis, the patient may undergo unnecessary treatment, such as chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation, that can cause harm.

Delayed or missed diagnosis might allow the cancer to spread or worsen, potentially leading to a mastectomy or a life-threatening condition. The further the cancer progresses, the fewer treatment options. Some errors prove to be fatal.

Along with the physical harm, a breast cancer misdiagnosis can also create tremendous emotional and mental trauma. If you qualify for a medical malpractice claim, you may receive damages for eligible losses, including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other diminishing effects on your quality of life. The amount you might receive depends on case-specific factors, but your attorney from Kanoski Bresney will pursue the full amount you deserve.

Call Today for Your Free Consultation with a Springfield, IL Medical Malpractice Lawyer

When a healthcare provider’s negligence harms you, you deserve compensation. At Kanoski Bresney, we will work hard to give you the respect, response, and results you deserve. Call us at 888-826-8682 to discuss your case with one of our dedicated Decatur, IL personal injury attorneys.