Maryland Attorney for Cancer Misdiagnosis Death

If your spouse or family member died from cancer or related complications, and you believe that their doctor made a diagnostic error, it may be possible for your family to recover compensation by filing a lawsuit. You should discuss your legal options with a trusted and experienced attorney for cancer misdiagnosis in Maryland, like Randolph Rice. You may have a wrongful death or medical malpractice claim against doctors, hospitals, or other healthcare providers who were negligent in diagnosing and treating your loved one.

We are here 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to help you understand and take the next steps forward. Contact us online to arrange a free legal consultation, or call Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291.

Cancer Misdiagnosis Statistics

Patients rely on their doctors to provide an accurate, timely diagnosis, which is the basis for any treatment plan. When a doctor misdiagnoses, delays the diagnosis of, or fails to diagnose a life-threatening medical condition like cancer, the patient’s life can be shortened while critical time is lost.

Diagnostic errors, such as delayed diagnoses, are alarmingly commonplace in U.S. hospitals and clinics. According to one study which looked at nearly 300 patients who were seeking second opinions, as many as 20% of patients with serious health conditions are misdiagnosed. This is an extremely serious and widespread problem, with diagnostic mistakes affecting an estimated 12 million Americans each year.

What is the Most Commonly Misdiagnosed Type of Cancer?

Any type of cancer or tumor can be misdiagnosed as another condition. However, certain types of cancer are more likely to be misdiagnosed or to go undetected, including breast cancer, colorectal cancer (also called bowel cancer or colon cancer), and lung cancer. Other types of cancer that are commonly misdiagnosed or not diagnosed include:

  • Bladder cancer
  • Cervical cancer
  • Kidney cancer
  • Leukemia
  • Lymphoma
  • Melanomas and skin cancer
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Prostate cancer
  • Throat cancer
  • Thyroid cancer
  • Uterine cancer

If your loved one developed one of these types of cancer, or another type which is not listed above, Rice, Murtha & Psoras can investigate whether medical malpractice played a role in his or her illness and death. If someone you care about was a victim of malpractice, we will fight aggressively to hold the responsible parties accountable.

Suing a Doctor for Failure to Diagnose Cancer in Maryland

Specialists, surgeons, and other doctors owe a duty of care to their patients. That means doctors and nurses are expected to meet high standards, making every reasonable effort to avoid causing harm to a patient. If a dermatologist, gynecologist, ophthalmologist, or other type of doctor fails to diagnose a patient’s cancer, or misdiagnoses the cancer as another condition, it may be a breach of the duty of care. If harm results to the patient, like death or injury, the healthcare provider may be liable. In short, you may have a case against a doctor, a hospital, or other parties if they made careless errors that caused or accelerated your loved one’s death.

Deadline for Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit for Cancer Misdiagnosis in Maryland

As the surviving loved one of a medical malpractice victim, it’s very important for you to be aware of the legal deadlines that could affect your case. the Maryland wrongful death statute of limitations is a time limit that, with some exceptions, prevents you from filing a lawsuit if more than three years have passed since the victim’s date of death. If you attempt to sue after this period ends, your claim will be barred unless an exception applies to your case. Talk to an attorney for wrongful death caused by cancer misdiagnosis in Maryland, like Randolph Rice, who can explain your rights and responsibilities when filing a claim.

By obtaining evidence, consulting with medical experts, and making a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the victim’s death, Randolph Rice will fight to recover compensation on behalf of your family. Compensation may be available for:

  • Burial and funeral expenses
  • Medical bills, such as costs arising from surgery, hospitalization, prescription medications, physical therapy or rehabilitation, chemotherapy, radiation, and other treatments or appointments
  • The victim’s pain and suffering

Maryland Lawyer for Cancer Misdiagnosis Death

When a failure to diagnose cancer, a cancer misdiagnosis, or a delayed cancer diagnosis occurs, the consequences are shattering. Not only is there a tragic and needless loss of life; the victim’s surviving loved ones are left to pick up the emotional and financial pieces.

If you lost a spouse or a family member to cancer, and you believe that a doctor’s error may have been to blame, you do not have to sort through the aftermath alone. Talk to an attorney you can trust about your family’s next steps. Contact Rice, Murtha & Psoras online to set up a free legal consultation, or call (410) 694-7291 for help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We handle cancer misdiagnosis lawsuits throughout the state of Maryland.