Misdiagnosis of Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is one of the most diagnosed cancers, second only to breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men. It is also one of the most deadly, killing more men and women each year than any other type of cancer. Although there is no cure for lung cancer, a patient’s prognosis depends largely on early diagnosis and treatment.
However, not every patient receives a timely diagnosis and this is unfortunate because a misdiagnosis of lung cancer can have devastating consequences. At Burke & Eisner, we represent individuals and families who have suffered injury because of medical negligence and we’re glad to evaluate your claim at no cost.
How Misdiagnosis of Lung Cancer Occurs
A misdiagnosis of lung cancer may refer to a delayed diagnosis, a missed diagnosis, or a wrong diagnosis.
Factors that may lead to or cause a misdiagnosis of lung cancer include:
- Mistaking the lung cancer as another condition – bronchitis or tuberculosis, for example
- Failing to perform necessary tests such as x-rays, biopsies and/or MRIs
- Misinterpreting test results
- Failing to obtain full medical history – for instance, whether a patient suffered toxic exposure such as asbestos or is a smoker
- Mistaking symptoms of another condition for cancer when no cancer is present
- Identifying a tumor as benign when it’s malignant, or vice versa
Misdiagnosis can occur with any of the various types of lung cancer, including primary, secondary, small cell, non-small cell and mesothelioma.
What Happens When Lung Cancer Is Misdiagnosed
When lung cancer is not diagnosed accurately or in a timely manner, the following could occur:
- No treatment is initiated
- The wrong treatment is initiated
- Unnecessary treatment is initiated
In fact, a misdiagnosis of cancer can significantly reduce a patient’s survival rate and, in some cases, lead to an untimely death.
Victims of Misdiagnosis Have Legal Rights
Patients have a right to a certain standard of treatment. When a physician acts negligently or fails to provide the accepted level of care, patients can take legal action to recover damages for harm suffered. Recoverable damages depend on the circumstances of an individual case but may include any or all of the following:
- Expenses for treatment
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of financial support
Are You Eligible for Compensation?
Let the experienced medical malpractice attorneys at Burke & Eisner evaluate your case free of charge and find out if you are eligible for compensation. We will answer your legal questions and inform you of your options. Contact us today to learn more.
Three ways to Contact Us:
-- Fill out the Contact Us form in the Upper Right part of this page.
-- Use the Contact Us form located on the Instant Answer Page
-- Call us: 1-800-838-0800
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