Failure to Order a Breast Biopsy or Ultrasound

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of fatalities among women and on occasion, affects men as well. Fortunately, with prompt and appropriate intervention, many women with breast cancer go into remission and are able to lead long and fulfilling lives. Diagnostic tools like ultrasounds and breast biopsies are essential for breast health management, as they allow for early diagnoses and potentially life-saving interventions. Correspondingly, if a doctor neglects to prescribe such tests, it can lead to devastating harm. If you suffered injuries due to a doctor’s failure to order a breast biopsy or ultrasound, it is important to understand your rights, and you should speak to an attorney as soon as possible. At Arfaa Law Group, our proficient Baltimore medical malpractice attorneys are aware of the grave harm negligent medical care can cause, and if we represent you, we will advocate aggressively in favor of your recovery of damages.

When a patient presents with symptoms such as a palpable lump, nipple discharge, or abnormal mammogram results, a doctor should promptly utilize diagnostic tools like ultrasounds and biopsies to determine the nature of the abnormality. Regardless, doctors, on occasion, fail to order a breast biopsy or ultrasound despite clear signs that they are warranted. This oversight can stem from misinterpretation of initial findings, underestimation of the patient's risk factors, or failure to adhere to screening guidelines.

The impact of the failure to order a breast biopsy or ultrasound is profound. Neglecting to do so can allow critical conditions like cancer to go undiagnosed and to progress to more advanced stages, where they are more difficult to treat. Subsequently, patients with delayed cancer diagnoses will often have to undergo more aggressive treatments, such as mastectomy, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, and often have a poorer prognosis.

People harmed by a doctor’s failure to order a breast biopsy or ultrasound will often choose to seek compensation for their losses via medical malpractice claim. In most instances, a plaintiff in a medical malpractice case will set forth a negligence claim against the defendant. Under Maryland law, to establish a defendant's negligence, a plaintiff must first demonstrate that the defendant owed them a duty of care. Typically, the duty owed is to adhere to the standard of care, which is determined by what a reasonably competent healthcare provider in the same field would have done under similar circumstances.

The plaintiff must then prove that this duty was breached, meaning that the defendant deviated from the standard of care. Last, the plaintiff has to demonstrate that they suffered actual harm and must show that their losses arose due to the defendant’s breach.

Generally, expert testimony is necessary in Maryland medical malpractice cases to establish both the standard of care and the breach of that standard by the defendant, as well as to connect the breach to the plaintiff’s reported harm.

A plaintiff that establishes the defendant’s negligence may be entitled to recover damages. These damages can include compensation for economic losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, and future healthcare costs directly related to the malpractice. They may also be awarded damages for non-economic harm, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Breast biopsies and ultrasounds are part of the first line of care for people who report concerning breast symptoms, and when doctors fail to employ them, the consequences can be catastrophic. If you were hurt by a physician’s failure to order a breast biopsy or ultrasound, you may be able to recover damages in a medical malpractice lawsuit, and you should consult with an attorney. The trustworthy Baltimore lawyers of Arfaa Law Group are proud to assist people harmed by medical negligence in the pursuit of justice, and if you hire us, we will gather any evidence in your favor to provide you with a strong chance of presenting a winning case. Our office is located in Baltimore, and we frequently represent injured people in medical malpractice lawsuits throughout the city. You can reach us at 410-889-1850 or through our online form to set up a consultation.