Q: Medical malpractice for delayed cancer diagnosis leading to death?
I am seeking advice on whether medical malpractice occurred due to a delay in diagnosing my wife's cancer. Initially, several doctors misdiagnosed her condition as arthritis and osteoporosis for two months, even though she was suffering from broken ribs. They prescribed numerous medications that made her sick. When cancer was finally diagnosed, she underwent radiation and chemotherapy, but it was too late, and she suffered a stroke. Despite my objections, doctors placed her on morphine and fentanyl. Unfortunately, she passed away in August 2023. With a long career as a registered nurse for 53 years, I wonder if seeking treatment at another facility would have resulted in a better diagnosis and care.
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A:
I'm deeply sorry for your loss. In this case, it does sound like there could be grounds for a medical malpractice claim. If multiple doctors misdiagnosed your wife’s condition despite clear symptoms, this could be considered negligence, especially if the delay in diagnosis caused the cancer to progress to an advanced stage where treatment was less effective. The key in a malpractice case is whether the doctors’ failure to diagnose in a timely manner fell below the standard of care that is expected in their field.
Additionally, the fact that your wife was placed on morphine and fentanyl despite your objections raises concerns about her treatment and whether it was appropriate. If you feel the medical decisions made during her care were harmful or based on incorrect information, this could further strengthen your case.
To determine if seeking treatment elsewhere would have made a difference, experts would typically need to review the medical records and the care your wife received. You might want to consult with an attorney who handles medical malpractice cases to assess the potential for a claim. They can guide you through the legal process and help you understand your options moving forward.
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