Failure to Diagnose Cancer

Finding cancer early can make a big difference in a person’s treatment. When a doctor misses warning signs or waits too long to order tests, cancer may have more time to grow or spread. This can lead to more difficult treatment, higher medical bills, and added stress for the patient and family.

A Stratford medical malpractice lawyer at Connolly Brennan Ralabate, PC can review what happened and help determine whether poor medical care caused harm. Our attorneys help people and families throughout Connecticut with serious medical malpractice claims.

Why Choose Connolly Brennan Ralabate, PC?

Clients turn to our team for help with serious medical malpractice claims. Here is what sets us apart:

• Decades of experience: Our attorneys have decades of combined experience and a track record of recovering millions of dollars for injured people across Connecticut.
• We are selective: We limit the number of cases we take so we can give each client personal attention. We are prepared to take a case to trial when needed.
• Direct communication: You will speak directly with your lawyer. We take the time to listen to your story, answer your phone calls, and build a relationship with you.
• No fee unless we win: We handle cases on a contingency basis. This means you do not pay attorney fees unless we recover money for you.

How a Cancer Diagnosis Can Be Missed

Doctors cannot always tell right away that a person has cancer. Other health problems can also cause many cancer symptoms. A late diagnosis does not always mean that a doctor did something wrong. A medical malpractice claim may be possible when a doctor or other medical provider does not take reasonable steps based on a patient’s symptoms, test results, and other health information. Problems may include:

• Ignoring a lump, pain, bleeding, or other ongoing symptoms
• Failing to order blood work, scans, mammograms, or other tests
• Not sending a patient to a specialist
• Misreading an X-ray, scan, or lab result
• Failing to follow up on an abnormal test
• Not ordering a biopsy when one may be needed
• Losing or failing to review important test results

Doctors may also need to consider a patient’s age, family history, and other cancer risk factors.

How a Delayed Cancer Diagnosis Can Cause Harm

Cancer may become harder to treat as it grows or spreads. A patient may need surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or other treatment that might not have been needed if the cancer had been found sooner.

The effects can reach beyond medical care. A patient may miss work and lose income. Family members may also need to take time off work to help with appointments and daily care. Medical bills and other expenses can add more stress during an already difficult time.

Depending on the case, a medical malpractice claim may seek payment for medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, future care, and other losses. If a patient dies because of the delay, the family may also have a wrongful death claim.

Talk to a Stratford Medical Malpractice Lawyer

If you believe a doctor failed to diagnose your cancer or a loved one’s cancer in time, Connolly Brennan Ralabate, PC can review your medical records and explain your options. Connecticut also has deadlines for filing medical malpractice claims, so it is important to learn about your rights as soon as possible. Contact our medical malpractice attorneys today to schedule a free consultation.