Earlier this month in Maine, a woman successfully sued the Central Maine Medical Center for allegedly failing to diagnose her cervical cancer. According to an article by one local news source, the lawsuit named the medical center, the woman’s gynecologist, and a hospital technician as negligent parties. The lawsuit, which was filed back in May 2012, included an award of approximately $2 million for the woman’s husband for the loss of companionship he suffered as a result of the alleged missed diagnosis.
Evidently, the woman went to the medical center for routine pap smears
and was told by her gynecologist that everything was normal. Even after
she complained of pain, the woman alleges, the doctor still told her that
everything was normal and that all tests came back negative. It was only
after she fatefully went to another doctor that she discovered she did
indeed have cervical cancer. The woman’s attorney argued to the
jury that the hospital staff failed to properly read the results of the
initial test.
Thankfully, the woman has remained in remission for the past four years
and seems to be doing well. The medical center publicly expressed its
disappointment with the verdict, but it also expressed its concern for
the woman and shared in her optimism that she would remain cancer-free.
Missed Diagnoses in Maryland Hospitals
Missed diagnoses can be some of the most tragic
medical malpractice cases we see because, had the doctor properly done their job, the patient
would likely have found the disease earlier. In many cases, this can be
the difference between life and death. Thankfully, due to circumstances
beyond the control of the defendant doctor in this case, the woman was
properly diagnosed a short time afterward.
All doctors have a duty to provide a certain level of medical care to their patients. Of course, a doctor cannot prevent all illness. However, when test results are misread, that does give rise to a potential medical malpractice situation. Other situations when a malpractice case may arise are:
- Botched surgeries;
- Improperly prescribed medications;
- Misdiagnoses; and
- Failure to suggest or follow a recognized and proven treatment plan.
The list goes on. If you have been involved in what you believe was a case of medical malpractice, make sure you speak with a dedicated Maryland medical malpractice attorney before you proceed.
Are You Seeking a Dedicated and Zealous Advocate?
If you or a loved one have suffered through what you believe was a doctor’s
medical negligence and were injured as a result, you may be entitled to
monetary compensation. However, doctors, nurses, and hospitals are almost
always represented by lawyers who are adept at shifting the blame onto
other parties and getting their clients out of their legal responsibilities.
To make sure that you are treated fairly throughout the duration of your
case, call one of the dedicated personal injury attorneys at Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman at (410) 567-0800. Your first consultation is free and
requires no commitment.