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Atlanta Cancer Misdiagnosis Lawyer

Did you know approximately 10 to 20 percent of all cancer cases are misdiagnosed? Misdiagnosis of cancer – or failure to diagnose – is a valid justification for a medical malpractice claim. If you or a loved one has been the unfortunate victim of a cancer misdiagnosis due to the negligence of a medical professional, it may be in your right to sue for damages. At The Dixon Firm, P.C., an Atlanta cancer misdiagnosis lawyer will provide strong legal representation and fight to obtain just compensation on your behalf. Our team will elevate your unique case and plan the best course of action.

Cancer Misdiagnoses Are All Too Common

Cancer misdiagnosis can have a significant emotional, physical, and financial impact on patients. Unfortunately, misdiagnoses are fairly common. With a cancer diagnosis, the outlook is often unfavorable, instilling fear and anxiety in patients and their families.

Some patients may be diagnosed with cancer and later find out that they are indeed cancer-free. However, this type of cancer misdiagnosis is not typical. The most common type of misdiagnosis occurs when there is a delay in diagnosing cancer. If you have cause to ask if your cancer should have been diagnosed earlier, it could be considered medical malpractice.

Many types of cancers can be found early on with proper healthcare and a vigilant provider. Some types of cancers, such as prostate cancer, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, and breast cancer can be found through routine screening tests before the patient even begins to experience signs or symptoms of the disease. However, even with screenings, cancer can be misdiagnosed. Screenings that are not properly performed can be read inaccurately, leading to a late diagnosis of cancer. This scenario may be grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit, especially if there is a trail of negligence on the doctor’s or hospital’s part.

Talk to an Atlanta Cancer Misdiagnosis Lawyer

With so many incredible advances in medicine, the ability to detect nearly any type of cancer in its early stages has been greatly improved. Cancer patients are often able to get the medical intervention they need to restore their health and well-being. When reasonable standards of care are ignored or overlooked, patients can suffer from the trauma associated with a serious illness. Something as simple as a misread mammogram or failure to communicate results can result in a delayed cancer diagnosis and may ultimately end in a life lost. At The Dixon Firm, P.C., we handle all types of cancer misdiagnosis claims including:

  • Breast cancer
  • Cervical cancer
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Skin cancer or melanoma
  • Leukemia
  • Prostate cancer
  • Bowel cancer
  • Lung cancer
  • Kidney cancer
  • And more…

In the early stages of cancer, some symptoms could point to other less severe illnesses. Fever, weakness, dizziness, unexplained fatigue, and general aches and pains are often written off as seasonal colds or flu. While not all symptoms immediately point to cancer, a well-trained clinician should have the ability to note signs that could potentially signal cancer. A clinician should also work to eliminate any serious illness as a cause before diagnosing the patient with a different condition.

It is not always easy to determine when a cancer misdiagnosis is considered medical malpractice. When weighing your options, ask yourself the following questions: Did the doctor do everything they reasonably could? Were there mistakes made or miscommunications that resulted in delayed test results?

Medical negligence may be claimed in certain situations, such as when symptoms are ignored in the early stages of cancer or when a healthcare provider fails to order blood tests, CT scans, X-rays, or other tests required for diagnostic purposes. Incorrectly assessed test results can also lead to a delayed diagnosis and the possible spread of cancer.

Cancer misdiagnosis may fall on a hospital, doctor, radiologist, pathologist, or a number of other responsible parties. Whether your primary care provider failed to take your concerns seriously or a laboratory technician misread your test results, you are wise to hire a lawyer to investigate. Due to a cancer misdiagnosis, you may be facing weeks, months, or even years of treatments to try and reverse the effects of the cancer on the body. Many times, the damage caused by cancer is irreversible. At The Dixon Firm, P.C., an experienced Atlanta cancer misdiagnosis lawyer will consult with the appropriate medical experts to determine if the doctor could have taken reasonable steps to prevent missing the diagnosis of cancer.

Request a Free Consultation Today

When facing a traumatic cancer misdiagnosis, you need a legal professional on your side to fight for you and your family. The Dixon Firm, P.C. is a nationally recognized law firm with award-winning successes. We use our extensive experience to fight for your legal rights and negotiate a fair settlement that will aid you through recovery. Due to our strong will and skill level, we are not hesitant to go to trial if needed. Contact The Dixon Firm, P.C. today to request a free consultation.