Oncologist Malpractice

Cancer patients rely on oncologists to provide timely, accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans. When an oncologist fails to meet the standard of care—through delayed diagnoses, improper treatments, or miscommunication—the consequences can be devastating. Missed opportunities for early treatment can lead to cancer progression, leaving patients with fewer treatment options and diminished chances for recovery.

At Foran & Foran, P.A., our Prince George's oncologist malpractice lawyers are committed to holding negligent oncologists accountable. We will investigate the circumstances of your case, assess the harm caused, and work to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Whether you or a loved one has been affected by a delayed diagnosis, treatment error, or wrongful death, we are here to help.

Oncology is a complex field requiring physicians to balance the urgency of cancer diagnoses with precise treatment methods. However, oncology-related malpractice claims are not uncommon. According to recent data, 9% of oncology physicians in the United States face malpractice claims annually, a figure higher than the 7.4% average across other medical specialties. The nature of cancer care often makes these claims more critical, as delays in diagnosis or improper treatments can directly affect a patient's chances of survival.

Oncologist malpractice can take various forms, including:

• Delayed diagnosis. One of the most common issues in oncology malpractice, delayed diagnosis can allow cancer to progress, making it more difficult to treat.
• Failure to recommend appropriate tests. Oncologists are responsible for ordering tests like biopsies or MRIs to assess a patient's condition properly. Failing to recommend these tests in a timely manner can lead to missed diagnoses.
• Improper treatment plans. Using the wrong type or dosage of chemotherapy, radiation, or other treatments can worsen a patient's condition or cause unnecessary suffering.
• Failure to communicate risks. Patients need to be fully informed of the potential risks and side effects of cancer treatments. When an oncologist fails to provide this information, it can lead to uninformed decisions and unexpected harm.

Each of these forms of negligence can have long-term consequences for the patient, from prolonged suffering to a worsened prognosis. Victims of oncologist malpractice are often left with physical, emotional, and financial burdens that could have been avoided with proper care.

The impact of oncologist malpractice can be life-changing. Patients who experience delayed diagnoses or improper treatments may require more aggressive therapies, have fewer options for treatment, or face a reduced likelihood of survival. The emotional toll on the patient and their family can also be profound.

Some of the expected consequences of oncologist malpractice include the following:

• Advanced stage cancer. Delayed diagnosis can result in cancer reaching a more advanced stage, reducing the patient's chance of remission.
• Unnecessary suffering. Incorrect treatments or improper dosages of chemotherapy can lead to unnecessary pain, debilitating side effects, or even worsening conditions.
• Reduced life expectancy. Errors in cancer treatment may shorten a patient's lifespan by reducing the effectiveness of future therapies.
• Emotional distress. Both patients and their families can experience significant emotional trauma as a result of oncologist negligence, particularly when it leads to a worsened prognosis.

The lasting impact of oncologist negligence can deeply affect every aspect of a patient's life, making it essential to seek legal assistance to hold the responsible party accountable.

In Maryland, patients who receive a false cancer diagnosis may have grounds to file a medical malpractice lawsuit against the responsible healthcare provider. A false cancer diagnosis can cause immense emotional distress, unnecessary medical treatments, and financial strain. While medical professionals aim to provide accurate diagnoses, mistakes can happen due to negligence, faulty testing, or misinterpreting results.

To successfully file a malpractice claim under Maryland law, you must prove that the physician's negligence directly caused harm. In the case of a false cancer diagnosis, this may include undergoing unnecessary treatments like chemotherapy or surgery, enduring emotional trauma, or suffering financial losses from missed work and medical bills. Proving negligence involves showing that the doctor failed to meet the standard of care expected in the medical field and that this failure caused you measurable harm.

When oncology treatment goes wrong, the impact can be life-altering. Foran & Foran’s attorneys have over 85 years of combined experience and are committed to helping victims of oncologist malpractice pursue justice. With a history of securing seven-figure verdicts and settlements, we provide skilled, compassionate representation on a contingency basis—meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. To learn more and to schedule a free consultation today, give Foran & Foran's Prince George's County oncologist 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.