California Failure to Diagnose Cancer Attorney
A Skilled Lawyer Fighting for Patients Harmed by a Failure to Diagnose Cancer in San Francisco
Early detection plays a key role in treating many types of cancer successfully, and delays in diagnosis or misdiagnoses can allow the disease to progress to more advanced stages. Physicians and medical staff must conduct thorough assessments, including proper evaluation of symptoms, ordering necessary diagnostic tests, and interpreting results accurately, to identify signs of cancer. When these important actions are overlooked, patients may face limited treatment options, increased physical suffering, and a reduced chance of survival. This failure significantly impacts a patient's quality of life and can place substantial emotional and financial burdens on both the individual and their loved ones.
If you are dealing with health complications as a result of a negligent failure to diagnose cancer, our team at Peterson Injury Law can walk you through your rights and legal options. We may be able to help you pursue a medical malpractice claim against the responsible party or parties and fight to get you just compensation for your losses. Our founding attorney, Erik L. Peterson, has over three decades of legal experience and has earned widespread recognition from numerous legal organizations, including The Best Lawyers in America© and The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100.
Our firm can provide the solutions-driven advocacy and compassionate support you need during this difficult time. We are available 24/7 to take your call, and you owe no legal fees unless we help you secure compensation.
You have limited time to exercise your legal rights, so don’t wait to call (415) 630-2913 or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our California failure to diagnose cancer lawyer.
How Long Do I Have to File a Failure to Diagnose Cancer Claim in California?
In general, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice cases, including those involving a failure to diagnose cancer, is one year from the date the patient discovered or should have reasonably discovered the injury caused by medical negligence or within three years of the date the malpractice occurred, whichever comes first. If you do not bring a claim within this timeframe, you will most likely be unable to recover any compensation.
If a healthcare provider fails to diagnose cancer in a minor under the age of 18, the parents or legal guardians of the child usually have three years from the date of the medical negligence to file a claim. If the minor was under the age of six when the failure to diagnose occurred, the parents or legal guardians typically have three years from the date of the malpractice or until their child turns eight, whichever comes later.
Determining when exactly a healthcare provider failed to diagnose cancer can be difficult, which can, in turn, make it challenging to figure out when the clock starts running. Our California failure to diagnose cancer lawyer can help you understand the deadlines that apply to your case.
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“He couldn't have managed independence to this extent, his current level of physical activity, or the complexity of his recent social interactions 6 months ago. None of it would have happened without ongoing therapeutic support - which has only been possible with the financial settlement.”- Former Client
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“In my world, you have been very successful in the ways most important, most lasting, most valuable. And I know that [deceased husband] feels this way as well.”- Former Client
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“His knowledge and attention to detail was stellar, making me feel secure during a difficult case. Unlike most people in life, he was always upfront with me and kept me updated every step of the way, which is truly not what I was expecting from a lawyer. Although it was determined my case could take several years, especially during a pandemic, due to his dedication it was over in only 2yrs and made the process as easy for me as possible. I would absolutely recommend this firm and use him again if I ever need to, although I hope I don't.”- Kristy N.
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“My husband passed due to medical malpractice and I didn't know what to do or who to call. All I knew was I needed to get him justice. I researched and found Erik Peterson on google and reviewed various reviews on various sites. He was very patient and fought for me and my late husband. Erik told me what to expect ahead of time so I could prepare myself mentally. All in all, I HIGHLY recommend them to anyone who may need legal assistance in personal injury, medical malpractice and wrongful death. They are excellent and I can't say enough good things about them.”- Kiki A.
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“Very knowledgeable, professional and honest. I needed an attorney for malpractice and from the moment we first had our meeting, he explained everything in terms I could easily understand and very thorough, was always very responsive when I had questions. The case wasn’t an easy one to settle, but Erik never lost hope and kept fighting. Any time I had to get ahold of the staff at the law firm for paperwork, they were always so understanding and very helpful and always got back to me in a timely manner. I would highly recommend Erik Peterson and his law firm. He was an excellent lawyer and truly a genuine person.”- Lila D.
Cancer Symptoms and the Consequences of a Failure to Diagnose
Cancer presents with a wide range of symptoms that vary depending on its type, location, and stage of progression. Early warning signs may include unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, or abnormal bleeding. For example, a persistent cough or changes in voice may signal lung or throat cancer, while unusual lumps or swelling could indicate breast or ovarian malignancies. Additionally, changes in bowel or bladder habits, such as persistent diarrhea or blood in the stool, frequently point to gastrointestinal cancers. Recognizing these symptoms early plays a pivotal role in timely intervention, as symptoms often worsen or spread as the disease advances.
Other potential indicators include chronic pain, night sweats, or recurring infections that do not respond to normal treatment regimens. Changes in the skin, such as unusual moles, sores that do not heal, or skin discoloration, may signify melanoma or other forms of skin cancer. Patients experiencing difficulty swallowing, unexplained bruising, or neurological changes like headaches or blurred vision should consult medical professionals right away, as these symptoms can indicate various cancers impacting different body systems.
When cancer goes undiagnosed, the consequences can be catastrophic. Patients face the risk of the disease advancing into more severe stages, which significantly reduces the chances of effective treatment and remission. For those in advanced stages, the cancer may metastasize, spreading to other parts of the body and causing additional complications that are harder to treat. Late-stage cancer often requires more aggressive and invasive interventions, such as extensive surgeries, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy, which can take a heavy toll on the patient's body and overall health.
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Types of Compensation Available in California Failure to Diagnose Cancer Cases
A failure to diagnose cancer claim can provide an opportunity to recover both economic and non-economic damages, which can help you and your family address the wide-ranging impacts of the medical negligence that harmed you. Economic damages are tangible, quantifiable losses that result from the failure to diagnose, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and the cost of ongoing or future treatments. These damages are specifically calculated to compensate for financial hardships caused by the delayed or missed diagnosis.
Non-economic damages are more subjective and aim to address the emotional and personal toll of the failure to diagnose. These may include compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Our team at Peterson Injury Law can work to get you maximum compensation for all economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Lost earning potential
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
We are here to help when you experience harm due to a failure to diagnose cancer. Call (415) 630-2913 or contact us online today.
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