Syracuse Cancer Lawyers

A timely and accurate diagnosis of cancer is often critical to achieving the best possible outcome. Accordingly, when a doctor or healthcare provider fails to detect or treat cancer promptly, the illness may progress to advanced stages, reducing treatment options and survivability. Such mistakes are often caused by medical negligence, and people harmed by these oversights have the right to seek compensation via medical malpractice claims. If you or a loved one were harmed by inappropriate management of cancer, it is critical to talk to an attorney as soon as possible. The experienced Syracuse cancer lawyers at DeFrancisco & Falgiatano LLP Cancer Lawyers understand what it takes to prevail in claims against reckless healthcare providers, and if you hire us, we will fight to help you seek the justice you deserve. We routinely represent people in medical malpractice claims in Syracuse and in Rochester and throughout Upstate New York.

The misdiagnosis and mismanagement of cancer are among the most harmful forms of medical negligence. Medical professionals are expected to recognize the signs and symptoms of cancer and take appropriate steps to confirm or rule out the condition through testing, imaging, and referrals to specialists. Unfortunately, errors such as misreading test results, failing to order appropriate diagnostic tests, or dismissing a patient’s symptoms can lead to tragic consequences. When cancer is not identified early, it may advance to later stages, making it more difficult or impossible to treat effectively.

The harm caused by a delayed or missed cancer diagnosis is immense. Patients who might have recovered or gone into remission if diagnosed early may face aggressive treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery that significantly impact their quality of life. For some, the delay may mean that the cancer is no longer treatable, leading to a terminal outcome. Families often endure emotional anguish watching a loved one suffer, along with the financial strain caused by medical bills, lost income, and other costs associated with care.

People harmed by inadequate cancer care will often pursue compensation from the parties that caused their harm in a medical malpractice case. Generally, to prevail in a cancer malpractice lawsuit, the plaintiff must prove that medical negligence occurred.

Under New York law, this means that the plaintiff has to show that the defendant owed them a duty. The duty a healthcare provider owes a patient is to adhere to the accepted standard of care, which is determined by what a reasonably competent medical professional in the same specialty would do under similar circumstances. The plaintiff then has to prove that the defendant breached this standard, and that their breach proximately caused the plaintiff to suffer measurable harm. For example, if a doctor ignored symptoms of cancer, failed to order tests like a biopsy or imaging, or misinterpreted test results, they may have breached the standard of care.

Expert testimony is a critical component of cancer malpractice cases. Experts can explain how the delay or error in diagnosis allowed the cancer to progress and whether earlier detection would have resulted in better treatment outcomes. These experts also help demonstrate the causal connection between the healthcare provider’s negligence and the harm suffered by the patient.

A plaintiff who demonstrates a defendant’s negligence may recover damages to address both economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages include compensation for medical expenses, such as treatments, surgeries, and therapies necessitated by the delay in diagnosis. Lost wages and diminished earning capacity can also be recovered if the patient was unable to work or is permanently disabled. Non-economic damages compensate for the pain and suffering caused by the illness, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Families who lose a loved one due to a cancer misdiagnosis may also pursue damages for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and the financial contributions of the deceased.

If you or a loved one were hurt by a delayed or missed cancer diagnosis or improper treatment, you have the right to seek compensation, and you should consult an attorney as soon as possible. The dedicated Syracuse cancer lawyers at DeFrancisco & Falgiatano LLP Cancer Lawyers are adept at establishing fault in cases against negligent providers, and if you hire us, we will craft compelling arguments on your behalf, to provide you with a strong chance of obtaining a favorable outcome. We often represent clients in medical malpractice lawsuits in Syracuse, where our primary office is located, as well as in Rochester and other cities in Upstate New York. To schedule a free and confidential consultation, please contact us through our online form or call us at 833-200-2000.