Colorectal Cancer Misdiagnosis Lawsuits: Holding Doctors Accountable
In recent years colorectal cancer has been on the rise in younger patients but because this type of cancer used to be more common in older populations, some doctors fail to screen for colon cancer or misdiagnose the disease altogether. A medical malpractice lawsuit can hold doctors accountable for the misdiagnosis of colorectal cancer.
At Zucker & Regev, our medical malpractice lawyers in Brooklyn, NY, are ready to help you if you believe you or a loved one has been harmed by misdiagnosis as a result of medical malpractice.
Why Is Colorectal Cancer Misdiagnosed?
When experiencing health problems, it’s reasonable for patients to trust the expertise of their doctors, but when doctors overlook or ignore symptoms, it can lead to misdiagnosis, meaning coming up with the wrong diagnosis, or completely missing a disease or condition.
Colorectal cancer is of particular concern when it comes to being misdiagnosed because the symptoms of colorectal cancer can mimic other health problems. For example, symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and stomach cramps may be misdiagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, or colitis.
Age Is a Factor in Misdiagnosis
Another reason colorectal cancer gets misdiagnosed or missed completely is the fact that this cancer is on the rise in younger people. According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer rates have increased by 1% to 2% in adults under 55 every year since the mid-1990s. Sadly, death rates from colorectal cancer are on the rise for this demographic, too.
When a millennial in their early 40s or even someone in their 20s goes to the doctor with the symptoms of colorectal cancer, some Brooklyn doctors may see their young age and not think of cancer as being a possible cause. Instead, a patient may be told to make dietary changes or treated for a different condition. This can result in colorectal cancer going untreated until it’s too late.
Holding Doctors Accountable
When doctors are negligent and fail to provide a reasonable standard of care, they may be held accountable for any resulting harm to the patient through a medical malpractice lawsuit.
In order for a misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis of colorectal cancer to be considered medical malpractice, it must be shown that another similar doctor would not have missed or misdiagnosed the disease. Further, it must be shown that the error or negligence in the diagnosis caused harm to the patient.
A medical malpractice attorney can gather evidence, such as medical records and expert witnesses, to support misdiagnosis claims and help recover financial compensation for such damages as:
- Hospital expenses
- Future medical costs
- Loss of income
- Pain and suffering
- Economic damages
- Mental anguish
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Schedule a Consultation
If you believe you or a loved one have experienced a medical misdiagnosis for colorectal cancer, you may qualify for compensation for medical malpractice. To discuss your case and possible legal options, we welcome you to schedule a consultation at the Brooklyn law firm of Zucker & Regev.