Massachusetts Prostate Cancer Misdiagnosis Lawyers
Giving Clients Unique Attention Throughout New England
All men are at risk of developing prostate cancer, which is why it’s recommended men see their doctors regularly as they age. According to the American Cancer Society, about one in every eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. The older a man is, the greater the chance of getting prostate cancer, though you also have a better chance of successfully receiving treatment and recovering if your doctor is able to catch it early on. Unfortunately, all doctors are human, and sometimes they make human errors such as misdiagnosing the cancer. One small mistake, however, can impact a person’s future and quality of life.
If you were harmed or developed advanced prostate cancer as a result of a medical professional’s negligence, don’t hesitate to contact Crowe & Harris, LLP . Our Massachusetts prostate cancer lawyers are recognized throughout New England for our efficiency and ability to build up cases so we can obtain the full amount of compensation you’re entitled to after a harrowing and traumatic experience.
Contact us online or call (617) 404-3417 for a free consultation with one of our professional and experienced attorneys. We’re proud to serve clients in New Hampshire and Rhode Island in addition to Massachusetts.
What Is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer is a cancer of the prostate gland in the male reproductive system. This form of cancer is especially harmful because it often does not show signs of development until it is very advanced, but medical technology does allow doctors to sometimes diagnose this condition before it reaches an advanced state, giving victims time to seek treatment and potentially recover.
Some men are at a higher risk of developing prostate cancer based on family history. You might have an increased risk of getting prostate cancer if you have more than one relative who had prostate cancer, including relatives in three or more generations. African American men are also more likely to get prostate cancer than other men and are twice as likely to die from it.
Unfortunately, sometimes doctors or other practitioners are negligent or careless in their diagnoses or make mistakes in diagnosing cancer, leading to a misdiagnosis of prostate cancer. This misdiagnosis can be very dangerous for men with prostate cancer, as it might prevent them from seeking appropriate treatment and recovering from cancer.
How Are Mistakes Made in Diagnosis?
All older men in their 50s-70s should have prostate exams periodically, and the two main ways doctors detect this type of cancer is through a digital rectal exam as well as a blood test that tests for prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Doctors may also use ultrasounds or a biopsy to aid them in detection.
Sometimes, physicians make mistakes when they fail to record PSA benchmarks, fail to communicate the test results to their patients, or don’t test for prostate cancer altogether. All of these mistakes contribute to a misdiagnosis or delay in diagnosis. The longer a person goes without getting the treatment they need, the worse their cancer can get, leading to possible death.
What Are the Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?
Although symptoms do not always appear right away, prostate cancer can be accompanied by a variety of symptoms.
For instance, some common signs of prostate cancer might include:
- Urge to urinate frequently
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Difficulty when urinating
- Urine leaks while laughing or coughing
- Painful sensation during ejaculation
All of these symptoms could be indicators of prostate cancer, a serious condition. If a doctor has misdiagnosed a man who has prostate cancer, then that man is likely not to receive the life-saving treatment he needs for this disease.
How Can Cancer Malpractice Lawyers Help Misdiagnosis Victims?
When a man discovers that his prostate cancer was misdiagnosed, it can be an extremely difficult and traumatic experience. Not only is the patient at risk of developing advanced symptoms due to delayed treatment, but they may also feel helpless in knowing what steps to take next. Fortunately, victims of prostate cancer misdiagnosis have legal options available to them. An experienced attorney can help those who were harmed by medical negligence collect the compensation they deserve for their physical pain and emotional suffering, as well as any economic losses associated with the misdiagnosis. With the guidance of a knowledgeable lawyer on their side, individuals can ensure their rights are protected throughout every step of this process.
A Massachusetts prostate cancer misdiagnosis attorney can help:
- Provide legal advice to prostate cancer misdiagnosis victims and their families
- Investigate the medical records of the misdiagnosed patient in order to help determine whether there was negligence involved
- Collect evidence for a potential lawsuit by interviewing witnesses and gathering additional documents, such as medical bills, hospital reports, etc.
- Negotiate with insurance companies on behalf of misdiagnosis victims
- Handle communication between all parties in order to ensure that everyone is aware of any new developments or changes
- Represent clients during court proceedings if necessary
- File claims appropriately and timely so that victims can receive compensation quickly
- Calculate damages accurately and make sure clients get what they deserve in terms of compensation
- Offer emotional support throughout the entire process for those who have experienced trauma due to misdiagnoses
Call Us for Compassionate Representation
At Crowe & Harris, LLP , our lawyers understand that facing misdiagnosed prostate cancer can be frightening, as well as expensive. You’re likely dealing with financial hardship after being handed your medical bills and taking time off work to be treated, missing out on much-needed income.
When you call our firm, you can talk about your legal situation with an experienced legal representative, find out whether you are eligible to file a claim against the medical professional responsible for this misdiagnosis, and discuss your potential actions from this point. Having recovered millions of dollars for clients as a firm, we have a large number of successes under our belt and know how to secure the maximum amount of compensation you need. We also limit the number of cases we take so that we’re able to give each client our undivided attention and work closely with them to accommodate their needs. When you hire our firm, you’re hiring a team of loyal attorneys who won’t leave your side until you get better.
Call our Massachusetts prostate cancer attorneys if you received a misdiagnosis at (617) 404-3417. We have the resources and experience needed to get optimal results from your case, and we also regularly consult our team of full-time nurses.