The word “cancer” strikes fear in the hearts of most people. Early detection is critical because some forms of cancer can be successfully treated before it spreads. Our Atlanta cancer misdiagnosis lawyers know that negligent delays in diagnosing cancer or missing a diagnosis altogether can be devastating.
Malone Law has worked tirelessly since 1965 to advance the rights of patients who have been victimized by medical malpractice in Atlanta, Georgia. Because our Atlanta medical malpractice attorneys have an in-house medical department, we give our clients the edge they need to get the compensation they deserve.
You put your life in the hands of your healthcare providers. You trust them to treat your condition or illness using a certain standard of care. If you’ve been injured by a medical provider who failed to live up to that standard, call Malone Law in Atlanta, GA at (770) 390-7550 for a free consultation, or contact us online.
How Malone Law Can Help If You’re the Victim of a Cancer Misdiagnosis in Atlanta, GA
With state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and tests at their disposal, doctors and other medical professionals have the ability to detect cancer earlier than ever. However, when they fail to use those tools or misread test results, their patients suffer the consequences.
Our Atlanta medical malpractice lawyers have seen up close the devastating impact a cancer misdiagnosis can have on a patient’s physical and emotional well-being. Malone Law is dedicated to bringing financial relief to victims of these medical errors.
If you hire our legal team after a cancer misdiagnosis in Atlanta, GA, we’ll:
- Determine why the misdiagnosis happened and who shares liability
- Thoroughly review your medical records and other evidence
- Consult leading medical experts and specialists to build your case
- Negotiate on your behalf for a fair settlement
- Represent you in court if necessary
Medical malpractice is a serious problem that requires accountability. You may have to endure physical suffering, but you should never have to bear the financial costs that a negligent cancer misdiagnosis can bring.
If you think your doctor or other healthcare provider mishandled your cancer, talk to the experienced Atlanta medical malpractice attorneys at Malone Law. We’ll thoroughly evaluate your claim, and if negligence was involved, we’ll fight hard to get you fair and full compensation.
What Mistakes Can Lead to a Cancer Misdiagnosis?
There are two general types of cancer diagnosis – a false positive and a false negative. A false negative diagnosis is significantly more dangerous because the patient won’t receive timely treatment for a very real problem. According to a Johns Hopkins study, about 10% of people who present with cancer symptoms are misdiagnosed.
Not every cancer misdiagnosis is necessarily malpractice. Despite sophisticated technology, some cancers, such as brain and ovarian cancer, are difficult to spot until they’re in advanced stages.
A negligent cancer misdiagnosis occurs when a doctor or other medical provider fails to exercise a reasonable degree of skill and care in identifying and treating cancer.
Mistakes that can lead to a cancer misdiagnosis may include failing to:
- Analyze a patient’s medical history
- Prescribe diagnostic tests that would recognize cancer
- Properly interpret cancer screening tests
- Consider and examine the patient’s symptoms
- Direct the patient to a specialist for further evaluation and treatment
Whatever the cause, if you think you’re the victim of a cancer misdiagnosis in Atlanta, Malone Law will provide you with a free consultation. We’ll conduct our own comprehensive investigation and consult medical experts. If the misdiagnosis was the result of negligence, we’ll fight hard to get you the compensation you deserve.
How Long Do I Have To Sue for a Negligent Cancer Misdiagnosis in Georgia?
If your healthcare providers negligently failed to diagnose your cancer, you have legal rights. However, you don’t have all the time in the world to exercise those rights.
Under Georgia’s statute of limitations, you generally have two years from the date of the negligent act to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. Similarly, if your loved one died as a result of a negligent cancer misdiagnosis, you have two years from the date of their death to file a wrongful death claim.
There are some limited exceptions, which is why it’s extremely important that you consult a seasoned medical malpractice attorney in Atlanta as soon as possible. If you miss the deadline, your ability to get compensation will be forever barred.
You should also act on your rights quickly because the more time that passes, there’s always the risk that crucial evidence will be lost or destroyed. Moreover, witnesses’ memories could fade, further compromising your claim.
Talk To an Experienced Atlanta Misdiagnosis Attorney Today
Diagnosing cancer as soon as possible can be a matter of life and death. When it is identified early, your medical team can aggressively treat it, possibly improving your prognosis significantly.
If you believe that you’re the victim of a cancer misdiagnosis or a delayed diagnosis in Atlanta, GA, you have important decisions to make. First, you need to get prompt medical care to mitigate the harm. Next, you need to speak to a qualified medical malpractice attorney about your legal rights and how to assert them.
Malone Law is standing by to schedule your free case evaluation. We’ll discuss the facts of your case, review your medical records, and provide you with a straightforward and honest assessment. If we determine that negligence led to the misdiagnosis, we’ll develop a legal strategy that fits your needs.