Colon cancer is one of the most common malignancies, and the number of new cases increases each year. Although it is a serious disease, it can often be treated successfully when detected in its early stages. When doctors fail to diagnose or treat colon cancer in a timely manner, though, the consequences can be devastating. While money alone cannot repair the injuries caused by medical malpractice, damages in colon cancer malpractice cases can provide financial relief to cover your losses and hold the responsible parties accountable for your harm. If you or a loved one has suffered due to a doctor’s negligence in the context of colon cancer care, you may be able to recover compensation, and it is crucial to understand your legal rights. The experienced Baltimore medical malpractice attorneys of Arfaa Law Group understand what it takes to prevail in medical malpractice claims, and if we represent you, we will zealously pursue the compensation you deserve.
Establishing Malpractice in the Context of Colon Cancer CareColon cancer malpractice often occurs when doctors fail to recognize symptoms or misinterpret test results, resulting in a missed or delayed diagnosis. It can also happen when doctors delay treatment or prescribe an inappropriate treatment regime. Victims of such medical errors will often pursue damages in colon cancer malpractice cases. To recover such damages, however, they usually must establish the defendant’s negligence.
Under Maryland law, to establish negligence in the realm of medical treatment, a plaintiff must prove that the defendant owed a duty to the plaintiff. The duty healthcare providers owe patients is to abide by the standard of care, which is defined as the same level of care that other reasonably competent professionals would provide in a similar situation. Next, the plaintiff must show that the defendant deviated from the accepted standard of care. In colon cancer cases, this could involve failing to order appropriate diagnostic tests like colonoscopies, ignoring warning signs such as rectal bleeding or unexplained weight loss, or failing to refer the patient to a specialist.
Finally, the plaintiff must also establish a direct link between the defendant’s breach and the harm suffered. For example, if a delay in diagnosis allowed the cancer to advance from a treatable stage to a more aggressive form, the provider could be liable for the patient’s worsened condition.
Damages in Colon Cancer Malpractice CasesA plaintiff who proves a defendant’s fault in a colon cancer malpractice cases may be granted damages for both their economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages cover tangible losses, such as medical bills for cancer treatment, surgery, chemotherapy, and rehabilitation. They may also include lost wages if the patient is unable to work due to their condition, as well as the cost of future medical care if the cancer has led to ongoing or permanent health issues.
Non-economic damages, on the other hand, compensate for the more intangible harm caused by the negligence. These damages can include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In Maryland, there are statutory limits on non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases, though this figure increases slightly each year.
Wrongful Death Damages in Colon Cancer Malpractice CasesSadly, in many cases, a failure to properly diagnose or treat colon cancer leads to the patient’s death. In these situations, Maryland allows certain family members, such as spouses, parents, and children, to file a wrongful death claim. The amount of damages available in these cases can vary depending on the specific circumstances, including the deceased’s age, earning capacity, and the emotional and financial support they provided to their family. They can include compensation for funeral and burial expenses, the loss of financial support the deceased would have provided, and the emotional toll of losing a loved one.
Speak to a Trusted Baltimore Medical Malpractice Lawyer About Your CaseIf you or a loved one suffered harm due to a failure to diagnose or properly treat colon cancer, you may be owed damages, and it is smart to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. At Arfaa Law Group, our trusted Baltimore medical malpractice attorneys are dedicated to helping victims of medical malpractice protect their interests, and if you hire us, we will work tirelessly in pursuit of justice on your behalf. We have an office in Baltimore, where we routinely represent people in medical malpractice cases. You can contact us at 410-889-1850 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation.