How common are missed cancer diagnoses?

The first step in surviving cancer is diagnosing it, which is why it is so important to receive an accurate diagnosis the first time a doctor tests you. Unfortunately, there is a recent increase in the rate of delayed or missed cancer diagnoses. This problem has more causes than you may expect and even more consequences. Here is what you should know about cancer diagnoses.

The dangers of a missed diagnosis?

There are many ways that a medical team can fail to get an accurate result on a cancer screening. Old or faulty testing equipment, mixed screening results, and even failure to understand or read the test results can keep patients from getting the treatment when they need it.

The longer it takes for patients to receive an accurate diagnosis, the longer they have to wait to begin treating the deadly disease. During this time, cancer can grow into an inoperable tumor or metastasize across the body and become untreatable.

When you or a loved one is the victim of this kind of medical malpractice, an attorney can help you hold the liable party accountable for your worsened condition and the costs that come with it. An apology from a doctor does not make the consequences of their actions go away, so be sure that you take action that can help you and your family seek justice.

Get the compensation you need

Medical malpractice injuries are especially devastating because the people you went to for help were the ones who hurt you. Do not let a hospital’s insurance team or lawyers try to convince you not to file a claim or sign away your right to do so.

While you are fighting for your health, let an attorney fight for your rights. Contact an experienced lawyer right away if you believe you suffered avoidable consequences due to a missed cancer diagnosis.