Breast Cancer Malpractice

The early detection of breast cancer significantly improves a patient's prognosis, offering better treatment outcomes and survival rates. Unfortunately, misread mammograms, overlooked symptoms, or ignored patient concerns can lead to delayed diagnoses, forcing patients to endure more aggressive treatments or, in worst cases, leaving the disease unchecked. Breast cancer, when missed, can advance to stages where treatment becomes more complex and recovery more difficult.

At Foran & Foran, our attorneys are committed to helping oncologist malpractice patients who have suffered due to a delayed or missed breast cancer diagnosis. We understand the emotional and physical toll this can take on you and your family. Our legal team will meticulously review your case, work with medical experts, and pursue full compensation for your pain, suffering, and medical expenses. Contact us today to explore how we can support you during this challenging time.

There are several ways in which healthcare providers can make critical mistakes when diagnosing or treating breast cancer. These errors can include:

• Failure to recognize symptoms. A provider may dismiss or downplay early signs such as breast lumps, pain, or abnormal changes in breast tissue.
• Delayed or missed screening. Providers may fail to order timely mammograms or other imaging tests, especially if a patient is considered high risk due to family history or genetic factors.
• Improper biopsy analysis. Pathologists may sometimes misread or misinterpret tissue samples, leading to incorrect diagnoses.
• Failure to follow up. When suspicious results are noted, failing to recommend additional tests or referral to a specialist can delay diagnosis.

Each of these errors can lead to a delay in starting treatment, which is critical for breast cancer patients. Early-stage breast cancer has a significantly higher survival rate compared to later stages, making timely diagnosis and treatment essential. An experienced attorney can help you understand your legal options and work to secure the compensation you deserve for the harm caused by medical negligence.

The consequences of a delayed or missed breast cancer diagnosis are profound. Breast cancer is the most common malignancy involved in malpractice claims in the United States, and these claims often result from delays in diagnosis. A review of malpractice claims in the U.S. found that breast cancer-related claims most often involved radiologists, followed by general surgeons. The median award amounts in breast cancer claims ranged from $978,858 to $1,800,000. These large settlement amounts highlight the seriousness of diagnostic errors, which can lead to severe physical and emotional harm to patients.

Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis can result in more advanced, harder-to-treat cancer that may spread to other parts of the body. This often means more aggressive treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery, all of which can take a significant toll on a patient's health and quality of life. Early detection, through proper screening and diagnosis, is vital for improving outcomes and survival rates.

Victims of breast cancer misdiagnosis may be entitled to several forms of compensation, depending on the severity of their case. These may include:

• Medical expenses. This can cover the costs of additional surgeries, treatments, hospital stays, and medications required due to the delayed diagnosis.
• Lost wages. If the patient's ability to work is affected by their diagnosis or the need for more aggressive treatments, they may seek compensation for lost income.
• Pain and suffering. Patients may be entitled to compensation for the physical and emotional pain they endured as a result of the misdiagnosis and the harsher treatments required.
• Loss of quality of life. Breast cancer patients whose lives have been significantly altered due to delayed diagnosis may also seek damages for the loss of enjoyment in their daily activities.
• Future medical costs. For patients requiring long-term or continuous care due to advanced cancer stages, compensation may cover the ongoing treatment and rehabilitation costs.

For many patients, the financial and emotional strain of a breast cancer misdiagnosis can be overwhelming. More aggressive treatments often require extended recovery periods, which not only increase medical bills but also lead to more time away from work, compounding the financial impact. In many cases, patients also suffer emotional distress due to the invasive nature of treatments like mastectomies and chemotherapy, which can have long-term psychological effects.

A doctor’s failure to diagnose breast cancer can be life-altering. At Foran & Foran, we’re dedicated to holding oncologists accountable when malpractice occurs. With over 85 years of combined experience our compassionate and skilled attorneys are proud to represent victims of oncologist malpractice in breast cancer cases. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win. To learn more and to schedule a free consultation today, give Foran & Foran's Prince George's County medical malpractice lawyers a call at 301-441-2022. We proudly represent clients in Hyattsville, Bowie, Upper Marlboro, Waldorf, La Plata, Silver Spring, Rockville, and the surrounding areas.