Breast Cancer: When Can It Lead to Medical Malpractice?
With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the topic is at the forefront of many people’s minds. Along with reminders about early detection and prompt treatment comes the unfortunate fact that many Americans are misdiagnosed or otherwise harmed by their physicians. The consequences of medical negligence are often severe and sometimes fatal.
Qualified individuals or families may obtain compensation through a medical malpractice or wrongful death claim. An experienced attorney from Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur P.C. can investigate your situation, identify the at-fault parties, and explain your legal options.
What Is Medical Malpractice?
Doctors, nurses, radiologists, hospitals, and other healthcare providers have a legal duty to uphold high care standards. Medical negligence occurs when a provider does not perform the way another medical professional with similar qualifications would if faced with the same situation. When a patient suffers harm from that negligence, that provider may be guilty of medical malpractice.
There are several ways that medical malpractice can affect breast cancer patients:
- A doctor not diagnosing, over-diagnosing, or misdiagnosing the cancer
- A physician making a delayed diagnosis
- A radiologist misreading X-rays
- A surgeon removing the wrong breast
- An anesthesiologist giving the wrong medication or dosage
- A pathologist mishandling biopsied tissue
These and other errors may leave patients facing multiple issues. When cancer is not diagnosed early enough, it may spread and become less treatable. Unneeded treatments, like mastectomies, radiation, and chemotherapy, can also harm patients. Some medical mistakes lead to death.
Breast cancer can be overwhelming for patients to deal with, even without medical errors. When medical malpractice is a factor, it is often unbearable. When you choose Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur P.C., we will work diligently to help you get the compensation you deserve.
What Damages Could You Receive Through a Medical Malpractice Claim?
Your situation is unique, and your attorney will use case-specific factors to evaluate and calculate your damages. In personal injury cases, damages are monies that compensate or reimburse you for specific, eligible losses.
Depending on your circumstances, you may receive economic and non-economic damages, such as:
- Medical treatment and care expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Losing the ability to enjoy life
- Inconvenience
Some damages are tied to tangible expenses and are reimbursed according to your actual losses. Non-economic damages that reflect the intangible ways your injury affects your life are subjective. The more significantly they impact you, the more compensation you may receive.
No insurance company wants to pay claims. They may deny your claim or use several methods to reduce your payout. When you partner with Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur P.C., we will not let insurers take advantage of you.
Discuss Your Case With Our Effective Kane County, IL Medical Malpractice Lawyers
When you suffer harm through medical negligence, Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur P.C. can help you hold the at-fault parties accountable. Call 630-907-0909 today for your free consultation with our skilled Aurora, IL personal injury attorneys.
