Failure to Diagnose Liver Cancer

Liver cancer is one of the deadliest cancers; it is also among those diagnosed with the greatest frequency, with thousands of new cases in New York each year. Signs that a person may be suffering from liver cancer are often similar to those caused by other illnesses, and a physician presented with such symptoms should conduct a thorough assessment to determine the cause of their patient’s complaints. If they neglect to do so, liver cancer may not be diagnosed until after it has progressed to an advanced stage. If you or a loved one suffered harm because of a doctor’s careless failure to diagnose liver cancer, you may be able to recover damages in a medical malpractice lawsuit, and it is advisable to meet with an attorney. The skilled Syracuse medical malpractice lawyers of DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers understand the complexities of cases arising out of the failure to diagnose liver cancer, and if you hire us, we will work tirelessly to help you seek the best possible outcome. We regularly represent people in medical malpractice lawsuits in Syracuse, as well as in Rochester and cities throughout Upstate New York.

Numerous factors increase the risk of developing liver cancer, including hepatitis, obesity, smoking, and metabolic syndrome. If a patient describes symptoms that may indicate liver cancer, a physician should conduct a comprehensive assessment. Such symptoms include fever, unintentional weight loss, abdominal pain, excessive sweating, itching, back pain, nausea, and jaundice.

Blood tests and imaging studies, such as CT scans, ultrasounds, and MRIs, are essential for an accurate diagnosis. In cases where a mass is identified, the treating physician will typically request a biopsy to confirm whether the mass is cancerous.

Treatment options for liver cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. People diagnosed when liver cancer is in its earlier stages typically have a more favorable prognosis; when it is not diagnosed until it has progressed to advanced stages, it can be more difficult to treat and is often fatal.

Patients trust their doctors to deliver competent care, which includes providing accurate and timely diagnoses. When doctors fail to meet this expectation and subsequently cause their patients to suffer harm, their patients can pursue compensation by filing a medical malpractice case.

In New York, such cases usually involve a negligence claim by the plaintiff against the defendant. To establish medical negligence under New York law, the plaintiff first has to demonstrate that the defendant owed a duty to provide care in compliance with accepted and good standards of medical practice in the applicable community. This entails the care a competent physician in the same specialty would offer under similar circumstances.

Next, the plaintiff must show that the defendant's actions deviated from the accepted standard, leading to actual losses. It is critical for the plaintiff to establish a direct link between the harm suffered and the defendant's acts or omissions. In other words, they must prove that, without the defendant's behavior, the damages would not have occurred.

Typically, plaintiffs in medical malpractice cases must engage an expert witness to testify about the relevant standard of care. The expert will also explain how the defendant failed to uphold this standard and outline the causal link between the breach and the harm suffered by the plaintiff.

A plaintiff who successfully proves a defendant’s fault in a medical malpractice case may be granted compensation for their financial harm, which may include medical bills, out-of-pocket costs, and lost wages. They may also be awarded damages for their intangible losses, including mental anguish, suffering, and pain.

A prompt and accurate liver cancer diagnosis often provides patients with better treatment options and improved outcomes. If you or someone you love were injured by a doctor’s failure to diagnose liver cancer, it is essential to consult with an attorney to explore your legal options. The knowledgeable Syracuse medical malpractice attorneys of DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers are dedicated to advocating for the rights of medical malpractice victims, and if you engage our services, we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Our main office is in Syracuse, and we frequently represent parties in the pursuit of damages in Syracuse, Rochester, and other cities in Upstate New York. You can reach us to arrange a free and confidential meeting by using our online form or by calling us at 833-200-2000.