Dermatologist Malpractice

Dermatologists are trusted with diagnosing and treating skin conditions, ranging from minor irritations to life-threatening conditions like melanoma. The consequences can be severe when a dermatologist fails to diagnose or treat a serious condition properly. Misdiagnosis of melanoma, improper treatment administration, or unnecessary procedures can cause patients long-term harm and emotional distress.

If you or a loved one has been affected by a dermatologist's negligence, Foran & Foran, P.A. is here to help. Our dedicated Prince George's County dermatologist malpractice lawyers will review your case, assess the harm caused, and seek fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you in holding the negligent party accountable.

Dermatologists are tasked with diagnosing and treating skin conditions, some of which have life-threatening consequences if mismanaged. Unfortunately, even seemingly routine dermatological treatments can lead to severe complications when proper care isn't followed. Common errors in dermatology include delayed diagnoses, especially in serious conditions like melanoma, or performing unnecessary procedures that carry unnecessary risks.

In Maryland, a dermatologist's failure to meet the standard of care expected of medical professionals can be grounds for a medical malpractice claim. For example, a dermatologist who misdiagnoses a dangerous skin condition, leading to delayed treatment, could be liable for any harm that befalls the patient. Under Maryland law, victims of medical malpractice must show that the dermatologist's negligence directly caused their injury.

In dermatology, certain errors are more frequently seen in medical negligence cases. Some of the most common include:

• Failure to diagnose skin cancer. One of the most severe consequences of a misdiagnosis in dermatology is the failure to detect skin cancer, particularly melanoma. A missed diagnosis can delay essential treatment, leading to worsened outcomes for the patient.
• Improperly administering treatments. Dermatological treatments such as chemical peels, laser therapies, or biopsies carry risks. Failing to follow appropriate protocols can lead to burns, infections, or scarring.
• Failure to communicate risks. Dermatologists are required to inform patients of the risks associated with treatments. Failure to properly advise a patient or obtain their consent can be grounds for a medical negligence claim.

These issues frequently lead to litigation. In fact, according to a recent retrospective analysis, between 2011 and 2022, unexpected harm (54.2%) and diagnostic errors (33.3%) were the top reasons for lawsuits against dermatologists.

In Maryland, medical malpractice cases, including those against dermatologists, hinge on the ability to prove that the healthcare provider's actions fell below the accepted standard of care. This standard refers to the level and type of care a reasonably skilled dermatologist with a similar background and in similar circumstances would have provided. If a dermatologist's care deviates from this standard and causes harm to the patient, the victim may have grounds for a medical negligence claim. However, proving negligence requires more than simply showing that a mistake occurred; the patient must meet specific legal criteria to establish liability.

To successfully prove negligence in a dermatologist malpractice case, four key elements must be demonstrated:

• Duty of care. The first step is establishing that the dermatologist owes the patient a duty of care. This relationship is usually easily proven, as it arises whenever a patient seeks treatment from a licensed healthcare provider. The duty of care means the dermatologist must provide medical care that meets the standard expected of a competent professional in their field.
• Breach of duty. Once the duty of care is established, it must be shown that the dermatologist breached this duty by providing care that fell below accepted medical standards. This could involve misdiagnosing a serious condition, performing an unnecessary procedure, or failing to communicate important information to the patient. For instance, misdiagnosing skin cancer as a benign condition, which delays critical treatment, may be considered a breach of duty.
• Causation. Proving causation is often one of the more challenging aspects of a malpractice case. The patient must demonstrate that the dermatologist's breach of duty caused their injury or worsened their medical condition. This requires establishing a clear link between the dermatologist's negligence and the harm suffered by the patient. In some cases, expert medical testimony is necessary to explain how the dermatologist's actions or inaction led to the patient's injury.
• Damages. Finally, the patient must prove that they suffered damages due to the dermatologist's negligence. These damages may include medical expenses, lost wages due to time away from work, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering or emotional distress. It's essential to provide documentation of these damages, including medical bills, employment records, and personal accounts of how the injury has affected the patient's life.

If you believe you have been harmed by a dermatologist's negligence, seeking legal counsel promptly can significantly affect the outcome of your case.

With over 85 years of combined experience, Foran & Foran’s attorneys stand ready to fight for your rights in complex dermatology medical malpractice cases. We’ve secured many seven-figure verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients and are dedicated to providing you with the compassionate and skilled advocacy you deserve. 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.