Delayed Diagnosis Cancer Pt. 1

There are cases whereby a patient’s diagnosis is delayed. Such delays may result in minor to no damage to the patient. However, in other instances it may result in serious damage to internal organs or fatalities. When it comes to a delay in diagnosis for cancer, the results may make the difference between life and death. A delay in a month or more could lead to a patient being unable to have surgery performed or other treatments administered. This could also lead to a patient filing a medical malpractice lawsuit against the doctor. This article and a subsequent one will discuss when you can sue for delayed cancer diagnosis.

A cancer diagnosis enables the patient to receive the necessary treatment options in order for them to get better. However, a delayed diagnosis, even by a few months, the person could get worse and fail to receive needed treatment. It means the patient is unable to start medication or any medical procedure without being properly diagnosed of the illness. In severe or life-threatening conditions, a delay is even more serious. Legal action by way of medical malpractice lawsuits is a remedy if negligence is a factor in the delay in diagnosis.

Injury Caused by Delayed Diagnosis

It is correct to say that a delayed diagnosis of even a few weeks can result in patient injury. The effects of this includes causing severe harm to the patient’s body. Delayed diagnosis can result in injury to:

• internal organs,
• skin,
• deterioration in the patient’s health

The time of delay should lessen with additional research performed by the medical professional. However, when negligence is a factor in such delays legal recourse may be medical malpractice against the doctor. To succeed in such legal action the patient will need legal advice and representation from an experienced medical malpractice attorney. Contact the Vinson Law Office today for a free initial consultation.