Damages Caused by the Failure to Diagose Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is usually manageable, especially when diagnosed early, and many patients diagnosed with prostate cancer have favorable outcomes. If a doctor fails to address concerning symptoms promptly or conduct necessary tests, though, prostate cancer may remain undetected, resulting in substantial injuries. If you suffered damages caused by the failure to diagnose prostate cancer, it is important to understand your rights, and you should talk to an attorney. At DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers, our assertive Syracuse medical malpractice lawyers are adept at helping people recover compensation for the losses caused by missed diagnoses, and if we represent you, we will fight to help you seek the results you deserve. We frequently assist people with medical negligence claims in Syracuse, Rochester, and cities throughout Upstate New York.

The damages caused by the failure to diagnose prostate cancer can be substantial and often impact numerous aspects of the victim’s life. People harmed by such oversights usually incur significant medical expenses, including the costs associated with advanced treatments like surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Moreover, they may suffer lost wages and income as a consequence of needing time off work for medical appointments and treatments, exacerbating financial strain.

In addition to financial losses, delayed diagnoses can shorten life expectancy, robbing people of precious time with loved ones. Delayed diagnoses can also impact marital relationships, as they frequently cause the loss of companionship, support, and contributions to the household.

Dealing with a delayed diagnosis can also be immensely challenging physically and emotionally, as the impacted individual will likely have to deal with pain, discomfort, and the distress of facing a potentially life-threatening illness. Additionally, a delayed diagnosis can diminish a person’s quality of life as well due to their symptoms, treatment side effects, and psychological strain.

To recover damages caused by the failure to diagnose prostate cancer, the injured party must establish liability, which can be a complex process. At the onset, it usually requires the injured party, or plaintiff, to demonstrate the negligence of the defendant via a medical malpractice lawsuit. To do so, the plaintiff must establish that the defendant owed the plaintiff a duty to abide by the applicable standard of care, show that the defendant breached this standard, prove causation, and demonstrate actual damages.

The standard of care that applies is the treatment that a competent healthcare provider who works in the same field as the defendant would offer when presented with a similar situation. Any acts or omissions that depart from what is considered appropriate under the standard arguably constitute a breach. Causation refers to the connection between the defendant’s deviation from the standard of care and the harm ultimately suffered by the plaintiff. In all but the most obvious of cases, the plaintiff will need to hire a medical expert to clarify the standard of care for the judge or jury, to show the defendant breached the standard, and to illustrate a link between the defendant’s behavior and the plaintiff’s harm.

Assuming a reasonable causal link is established between the defendant’s failure to diagnose prostate cancer and the plaintiff’s subsequent losses, the plaintiff should be awarded damages. These damages may include economic losses such as therapy costs, medical bills, rehabilitation, and ongoing care required for the patient. Furthermore, damages for noneconomic losses, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life, may also be awarded to the plaintiff.

Men diagnosed with prostate cancer typically have positive treatment outcomes, but delayed diagnosis can cause devastating losses as the cancer progresses. If your physician neglected to diagnose you with prostate cancer, causing you harm, you might have grounds to seek damages and should meet with a lawyer. The capable Syracuse medical malpractice attorneys of DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers can analyze the circumstances surrounding your harm and advise you of your options for protecting your interests. Our primary office is in Syracuse, and we regularly represent people in medical malpractice lawsuits in Syracuse as well as in Rochester and other cities throughout Upstate New York. You can reach us to arrange a complimentary and confidential conference by calling us at 833-200-2000 or through our form online.