We go to doctors when we’re sick so they can make us well. We trust that they know what they’re doing. We’ve no reason to think they’re going to make a mistake. So, when a doctor fails to diagnose us with something as serious as cancer, it’s scary and frustrating.
When it comes to cancer, timing is key. The earlier your cancer is detected, the better your chances of beating it. For some forms of cancer, a few weeks can make the difference between life and death.
There’s really no good reason for a doctor to miss a diagnose as big as cancer. You would think after years of training and experience, a doctor would be able to notice something like a tumor or a mass.
If your doctor does fail to diagnose your cancer, you need to call a personal injury lawyer in Houston, Texas.
How Does a Doctor Normally Diagnose Cancer?
There are certain tests that medical professionals use to diagnose diseases such as cancer. A competent doctor will perform all of the tests necessary to make sure their patient is okay. When a patient presents with certain symptoms, their doctor should have a clue that something’s wrong.
Some of the tests used to diagnose cancer include:
- Personal examination – A doctor should feel your body for lumps. This examination needs to include the area in which you’re complaining of pain.
- Lab Tests – Your doctor may need to order certain lab tests such as urine and blood tests to detect abnormalities.
- Imaging tests – Your doctor needs to order tests such as an MRI, CT scan and ultrasounds in order to get pictures of your body. These images will help your doctor detect tumors and masses.
- Biopsy – If your doctor does find a tumor, lump or mass, they can order a biopsy. The biopsy will confirm if the mass is cancerous or benign.
If your doctor fails to complete at least some of these tests, there’s a problem. It could be weeks or months before you’re seen by your doctor again. You can’t take the chance that your doctor missed something as important as cancer.
If this does happen to you, contact a Houston personal injury lawyer right away. In the meantime, get a second opinion. Find a doctor who will perform the proper tests. There’s too much at stake to trust a doctor who doesn’t do his job right.
What Kind of Damages are Involved in a Misdiagnosis Case?
If your doctor fails to diagnose your cancer, you may end up much sicker than you would have otherwise. Regardless of what type of cancer you may have, it’s important that it be diagnosed as soon as possible.
Early diagnosis is the key to surviving cancer. It determines your treatment options. It also determines how progressive your illness becomes before you start treatment. This is why a doctor’s failure to diagnose your illness is so dangerous.
If your doctor does fail to diagnose your illness, your personal injury attorney in Houston will demand the following types of damages:
- Medical Bills – The defendant will be liable for any medical bills caused by the misdiagnosis. Now, you would have had a lot of medical bills if you were diagnosed properly. You can only demand compensation for the extra bills incurred as a result of the doctor’s negligence.
- Lost Wages – Just as with medical bills, you will be entitled to lost wages. However, you can only demand lost wages caused by your misdiagnosis. You were going to miss some time from work anyway if you have cancer. Your lawyer will have to prove the additional monies you lost as a result of the doctor’s mistake.
- Pain and Suffering – This is where the lion’s share of your damages will come from. Finding out that you could’ve known you had cancer weeks or months earlier than you did can be devastating. Your attorney in Houston will demand that you receive compensation for the mental and physical anguish caused by your misdiagnosis.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer in Houston, Texas Immediately
If your doctor misdiagnoses your cancer, you may have a claim for damages. Now, if it’s only a matter of a few days, you probably won’t be entitled to compensation. You have to show that you actually suffered an injury in order to recover.
Also, keep in mind – you’re not using your doctor for causing your cancer. If you’re sick, you were going to be sick anyway. Your suit is for the additional harm caused by the failure to diagnose your cancer.
Call and schedule your free initial consultation today. Let an experienced attorney in Houston evaluate your case and answer any questions you may have.