A breast cancer diagnosis requires prompt and accurate medical attention to ensure the best possible outcome. Unfortunately, medical negligence can lead to misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, or inappropriate care, causing the cancer to progress beyond its treatable stage. Errors such as failing to order necessary diagnostic tests, misinterpreting mammograms, or dismissing symptoms can drastically reduce a patient’s chances of survival and often constitute grounds for pursuing medical malpractice claims. If you or a loved one has suffered due to a doctior’s failure to diagnose or treat breast cancer properly, you may be entitled to compensation, and you should meet with an attorney to evaluate your rights. At DeFrancisco & Falgiatano LLP Cancer Lawyers, our skilled Syracuse breast cancer malpractice attorneys dedicate their practice to helping victims of medical malpractice protect their interests, and if you engage our services, we will argue zealously on your behalf. We serve clients throughout Syracuse, Rochester, and Upstate New York.
The Impact of Medical Negligence in Breast Cancer CareMedical professionals must be vigilant in detecting breast cancer at its earliest stages. When doctors or radiologists fail to recognize warning signs, the disease can advance unchecked, requiring more aggressive treatments and reducing a patient's survival rate. Delayed or incorrect diagnoses may lead to unnecessary chemotherapy, radiation, mastectomies, or other invasive procedures that could have been avoided with timely intervention. Additionally, delayed or inadequate treatment can allow the cancer to metastasize, making it more difficult to treat. Alternatively, a treatment that is too aggressive can cause harm to otherwise healthy tissue.
The consequences of malpractice in breast cancer cases extend beyond physical harm. Patients and their families often experience profound emotional distress, financial strain from extended treatments, and loss of quality of life.
Establishing Negligence in a Syracuse Breast Cancer Malpractice CaseMedical malpractice claims require proof that a healthcare provider’s negligence caused harm. In New York, plaintiffs must establish four essential elements: duty, breach, causation, and damages.
First, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant had a duty to comply with the standard of care, which is what a competent doctor working in the same field would consider the accepted and good practice of medicine. In other words, physicians, radiologists, and oncologists are expected to follow standard medical protocols when diagnosing and treating breast cancer.
Next, the plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant breached the standard of care and that the breach directly caused harm. For instance, if a doctor ignored symptoms or misread a mammogram, leading to delayed diagnosis and progression of cancer, they may be liable for malpractice. Establishing this link often requires expert testimony from medical specialists who can outline how the provider’s actions deviated from accepted medical standards.
Compensation for Victims of Breast Cancer MalpracticePatients and their families may be eligible for compensation if medical negligence leads to a delayed or incorrect breast cancer diagnosis. Economic damages cover medical expenses, future treatment costs, lost wages, and rehabilitation expenses. These damages are crucial in helping patients manage the financial burdens associated with prolonged or intensified cancer treatment.
Non-economic damages compensate for the emotional and physical toll of malpractice, including pain and suffering, anxiety, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases where negligence was particularly reckless or egregious, courts may award punitive damages to penalize the responsible medical provider.
Consult a Trusted Syracuse Breast Cancer Malpractice AttorneyA delayed or misdiagnosed breast cancer diagnosis can lead to unnecessary suffering and significant financial burdens. If you or a loved one has been harmed due to a delayed breast cancer diagnosis or mismanagement of breast cancer care, it is critical to consult an attorney about your potential claims as soon as possible. At DeFrancisco & Falgiatano LLP Cancer Lawyers, our trusted Syracuse breast cancer malpractice attorneys are dedicated to advocating for patients who have been injured by careless medical professionals, and if we represent you, we will craft compelling arguments on your behalf to help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Our offices are located in Syracuse, and we proudly represent clients throughout Upstate New York, including Rochester and surrounding areas. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation by calling 833-200-2000 or filling out our online form.