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Missed / Delayed Diagnoses

Missed / Delayed Diagnosis

The attorneys at Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler, L.L.P., represent victims and their families who have been damaged by medical error and misdiagnosis. A medical misdiagnosis is just as dangerous as any operating room mishap or prescription mistake. If a patient is misdiagnosed, he or she may be forced to live with a time sensitive ailment such as cancer or heart problems. He or she may be subjected to incorrect or unnecessary surgery, or may be prescribed medications that cause new conditions or complications. A missed or delayed diagnosis can occur with many conditions including the following:

  • Heart problems
  • Pregnancy complications
  • Blood clots or DVT (Deep Venous Thrombosis)
  • Non-malignant tumors
  • Cancer

One of the most common forms of medical misdiagnosis involves cancer. With cancer, it is important to have an early diagnosis. Failure to diagnose cancer in its early stages, or a delay in diagnosing cancer until the cancer has reached an advanced stage, has serious consequences. A missed or delayed diagnosis of cancer is a common occurrence that can lead to spread of the cancer, causing disfiguring surgery, unnecessary chemotherapy and radiation therapy and, in some cases, death. If you have been diagnosed with cancer that you feel should have been previously diagnosed, you may be the victim of medical malpractice.

Medical mistakes can cause curable cancers to remain untreated and to worsen. A cancer misdiagnosis also has the potential to cause victims to develop other physical and psychological conditions that require future treatment, contributing to financial hardship and severely inhibiting the victims’ ability to sustain meaningful employment.

Cancer misdiagnosis can most frequently be attributed to:

  • A non-cancerous (or benign) tumor is identified as cancerous (malignant)
  • A cancerous lesion is missed in the biopsy procedure
  • A cancerous mass is diagnosed as benign
  • Failure to refer a patient to a specialist for further testing
  • A cancerous tumor is misclassified as to type or misgraded as to aggressiveness
  • Specimens are mishandled by pathology, or improperly read or interpreted
  • Failure to follow up with a patient if cancer should have been suspected
  • Failure to adequately screen for increased risk patients (age/ethnicity/family or personal history/gender)
  • Failure to understand or notice the nature of a patient’s complaints

If you or someone you know suffered serious health problems or death as a result of an erroneous or delayed diagnosis, call the trial lawyers of Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler, L.L.P., now at 866-454-RHHK (7445) or click here to submit a free case review. Let our experience work for you. Our initial consultation is free of charge and we only get paid for our services if you receive monetary compensation.

Are You a Victim of the MultiCare-Good Samaritan Hospital Hepatitis C Exposure?
Our firm is actively taking on representation of clients who were patients at MultieCare-Good Samaritan Hospital and were exposed to Hepatitis C and perhaps other diseases. We are investigating the actions of MultiCare and its employees as well as the MultiCare system itself that led to this crisis occurring.

If you have information about this incident, or previous incidences of MultiCare employees misusing narcotic medications intended for patients, or if you have legal questions about this matter and your rights, our lawyers are available to assist you at 253-383-5388.
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Case Results

  • "Client was disabled from working in prior profession after sustaining a severe closed head injury and brain trauma in an automobile accident on Interstate 5. $7,845,000. "

  • "Pedestrian client was struck by semi-truck, and the trailer wheels rolled over client’s body causing severe injury. $1,145,000. "

  • "Client was involved in a head-on collision when a bus crossed the center line. Client suffered a severe closed head injury preventing him from returning to his previous employment. $884,998. "

  • "Client was involved in serious head-on collision with uninsured motorist while on-the-job, resulting in physical injury and posttraumatic stress disorder. Client can no longer work as a commercial truck driver. $708,000. "

  • "Client was a rear seat passenger in a vehicle that was involved in an automobile accident. Client was severely injured as the result of a defective seatbelt, while the other three occupants of the vehicle sustained only minor injuries. $650,000. "

  • "Client was killed in automobile accident caused by defendant’s failure to yield the right-of-way. $650,000. "

  • "Minor client was on his way to school and was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street in a marked crosswalk. Defendant driver had pulled into oncoming lane to pass another vehicle and struck client, causing serious injuries. $500,000. "

  • "Client was killed as a result of an in-cab fuel tank, which caught fire after an automobile accident. $350,000. "

  • "Client riding a bicycle was struck by a motorist who failed to yield the right-of-way. Client sustained numerous injuries, including a closed head injury. $120,000. "

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  • "I have been a client of Dan Kyler’s since 1996. Having had numerous car accidents, I rely upon Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler to help me through them. The most obscure questions have been answered and help is given on all levels. Thanks."

  • "John Wilson demonstrated his professionalism by keeping us current on our case, explaining our options, giving us realistic expectations and demonstrating the highest level of ethics and integrity beyond reproach. We have the highest confidence that we were well represented."

  • "Dan Hannula’s hard work helped to settle my auto accident case. "

  • "Having a motorcycle accident was bad enough, let alone dealing with insurance companies. John Wilson and his staff made everything easy to understand and hassle free. "

  • "I am extremely satisfied with the service I experienced with this firm and I would recommend them to anyone that needs legal representation. Michael Fisher and his staff are great people. "

  • "Vern Harkins perseverance and hard work made it possible to get the maximum settlement from the insurance company. I know he had my interest in mind as demonstrated by his actions. "

  • "The office staff were courteous, pleasant and kept me informed as to what was going on throughout the whole ordeal. "

  • "Molly Crowley is a very professional and knowledgeable lawyer. I felt I was very well represented!! "

  • "Molly Crowley was knowledgeable, kept me informed every step of the way and just did a great job! "

  • "We got a fair settlement and were treated with respect and dignity throughout the whole process. -Blake W. "

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