Protect Your Rights Against Breast Cancer Misdiagnoses and Negligence.
Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women worldwide. Approximately one in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Early detection and intervention are vital for improving survival rates. Unfortunately, not all diagnoses are accurate, and medical malpractice can result in misdiagnoses or delayed diagnoses at a more advanced stage. It is crucial to protect your rights against misdiagnoses and negligence.
The American Cancer Society estimates that women in the United States annually receive diagnoses of approximately 280,000 cases of invasive breast cancer and 48,000 cases of non-invasive breast cancer. Regular mammograms are crucial for early detection, which can increase survival chances. Regrettably, medical errors can occur during the diagnosis and treatment process, potentially resulting in wrongful deaths.
An Insight into Medical Malpractice in Breast Cancer Cases
When it comes to breast cancer cases, wrongful deaths caused by medical malpractice are shockingly prevalent. The various mistakes contributing to these tragedies are delayed diagnosis, misdiagnosis, improper treatment, and surgical errors.
Diagnosis Errors
Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis is one of the most common causes of malpractice in breast cancer care. These errors often occur when providers misinterpret imaging, fail to order a biopsy, or overlook the patient’s symptoms. A lump may be dismissed as benign, or test results may not be properly reviewed. When diagnosis is delayed, treatment becomes more invasive, and outcomes may be significantly worse.
Biopsy Errors
In addition to conducting an initial breast exam, biopsies play a vital role in confirming a cancer diagnosis. Unfortunately, errors can occur during this crucial step, leading to severe consequences such as inadequate or missed biopsies and misinterpretation of results. Additionally, it is crucial to consider additional tests like MRI, CT, or PET scans to assess the extent and stage of cancer. However, any delays in ordering or interpreting these tests correctly can hinder the timely identification of cancer severity and subsequent treatment.
Surgical and Treatment Errors
Treatment errors are another form of malpractice. Surgeons may remove too little tissue during a lumpectomy or fail to achieve clean margins during a mastectomy. Mistakes in chemotherapy dosing, radiation targeting, or hormone therapy administration can reduce survival rates and increase suffering. Poor post-operative care or a failure to monitor side effects can further complicate recovery.
A Real-World Scenario: The Cost of Delay
Consider a patient in her mid-40s who felt a lump and reported it to her doctor. The provider dismissed her concerns without ordering further tests. Six months later, her symptoms worsened, and a second opinion revealed she had advanced Stage III breast cancer. A review of her original mammogram showed signs that were initially missed. With early intervention, her treatment could have been less aggressive, and her prognosis more favorable.
In some cases, misdiagnosis leads to fatal outcomes. Families who lose loved ones to a delayed diagnosis may pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. While no amount of compensation can undo the loss, legal action can hold negligent providers accountable and help prevent similar tragedies.
What to Do If You Suspect a Breast Cancer Misdiagnosis
If you suspect that you or a loved one was harmed due to a misdiagnosis or delay in breast cancer treatment, take these important steps:
Seek a second opinion immediately. Getting a fresh perspective from a different provider can confirm or correct the diagnosis.
Collect all medical records. Request copies of mammograms, imaging, pathology reports, and provider notes. These documents are essential for building a legal case.
Document your timeline. Keep track of when symptoms appeared, appointments occurred, and what was communicated. Notes and messages with providers can be powerful evidence.
Act quickly. Medical malpractice cases are bound by strict time limits. In Ohio, for example, you typically have one year from the date of the malpractice—or the date you discovered it—to file a claim. Wrongful death claims may allow up to two years.
Consult a medical malpractice attorney. These cases are complex. A knowledgeable Medical Malpractice attorney can help investigate what went wrong, consult medical experts, and determine if you have a viable claim.
Your Legal Rights and Potential Compensation
If you’ve been harmed by a misdiagnosed or delayed breast cancer diagnosis, you may be entitled to compensation. Legal claims in these cases often seek damages for:
Medical expenses: Additional surgeries, medications, hospitalizations, and long-term treatments made necessary by the delay.
Lost income: Wages lost due to prolonged recovery or permanent disability.
Pain and suffering: Physical and emotional trauma, loss of enjoyment of life, or anxiety related to the advanced diagnosis.
Wrongful death damages: Funeral costs, loss of financial support, and emotional loss suffered by family members.
Each case is unique, and compensation will vary based on the facts. The key is proving that a provider failed to meet the accepted standard of care—and that this failure directly harmed the patient.
Why Choose Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault?
At Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault, we have over 70 years of experience representing victims of medical malpractice and wrongful death. We’ve successfully handled complex cancer misdiagnosis cases, and we understand the unique challenges these claims present.
Our team of personal injury lawyers has represented patients across Northwest Ohio, Southeast Michigan, and Northeast Indiana who were misdiagnosed or whose diagnoses were dangerously delayed. We work with leading medical experts and use our extensive legal knowledge to build strong, evidence-backed claims.
We also know how personal these cases are. That’s why we treat every client with compassion, transparency, and respect. From the first consultation through every step of litigation, we’re by your side—fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Protect Your Rights Against Breast Cancer Misdiagnoses.
It’s time to shed light on the alarming incidents of medical malpractice in breast cancer cases. By understanding the common errors that can cost lives, we can strive for better patient care and demand accountability.
It’s always a good idea to be proactive regarding your health, especially concerning breast cancer. It’s essential to schedule regular mammograms and take notice of any unusual changes in your breasts. Additionally, it’s vital to choose a reputable medical provider and ask questions if you don’t understand something or need clarification.
Breast cancer, wrongful death, and medical malpractice have far-reaching impacts on women and their families, making them serious issues. In the U.S., breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women, resulting in thousands of deaths each year. Medical malpractice can have devastating consequences, such as misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, or failure to diagnose. Suppose you or a loved one has been affected by medical malpractice. In that case, it is crucial to seek legal representation from one of our personal injury attorneys to protect your rights against breast cancer misdiagnoses and to hold healthcare providers accountable for their actions. Remember, early detection can save lives.
Get Legal Help for Breast Cancer Misdiagnosis
If you believe a medical provider failed to diagnose your breast cancer—or misdiagnosed a loved one—you may have a legal claim. At Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault, we offer free, confidential consultations to help you understand your options.
Our medical malpractice attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. We’re proud to serve clients across Toledo, Maumee, Defiance, Findlay, Fremont, Lima, Mansfield, Sandusky, and Monroe, Michigan.
Don’t wait. Early legal action can make a difference in the outcome of your case. Call us today at 419-843-6663 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. Let our experienced breast cancer misdiagnosis lawyers help you protect your rights and move forward with strength.
