CANCER AND MALPRACTICE

CANCER AND MALPRACTICE

CANCER AND MALPRACTICE 150 150 Lauren Ellerman

I took the Trolley home at lunch today to let the dogs out – and back to work. While on the way back I met a very nice lady named Beth who was riding our local trolley because she had radiation this morning and a bone scan of some kind this afternoon in a different building.

Apparently, she has breast cancer and after surgery is trying to treat it with radiation.

She was kind, and had a lovely spirit.

She is able to fight her cancer, and be involved in the healing and treatment process.

But what if your Doctor failed to diagnose the cancer?
What if your Doctor failed to open your file and read the pathology report that said you had cancer?
What if these mistakes meant you couldn’t try to fight it – and there was no treatment option?

Sadly, this happens in Virginia. Physicians fail to diagnose cancer and in some rare and tragic cases, it is diagnosed and the patient is never told.

For those who have lost the opportunity to fight cancer because of a delay in diagnosis, they should focus on enjoying their lives. If you as a family member would like to see if legal action is appropriate, call our office today.

Also, as a side. If the word cancer is ever mentioned – ask for a copy of your pathology report and take it to your general physician in person to see if they agree about the diagnosis. I have skin cancer in my family and every time they biopsy some part of me, I get a copy of the path. report.

I would rather know, then a mistake lead to me not knowing, and not having the opportunity to get treatment.

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About the author

Lauren Ellerman

In 2011, Lauren Ellerman was named "Young Lawyer of the Year" by the Roanoke Bar Association for her work in the community. To speak with Lauren about your personal injury case, contact her at lellerman@frithlawfirm.com.

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