When facing a cervical cancer diagnosis, timely and accurate medical care is crucial. Unfortunately, negligence in diagnosis or treatment can lead to devastating consequences.
At Kline & Specter, our team of over 50 attorneys (five of whom are also medical doctors) is here to ensure you receive the justice you deserve. With a wealth of experience in medical malpractice law, we are dedicated to holding healthcare providers accountable for their actions.
If you or a loved one has suffered due to delayed diagnosis, misdiagnosis, or inadequate treatment, we offer the expertise you need to navigate this challenging time and pursue the compensation you deserve. Call 215-772-1000 to schedule a consultation.
What is Cervical Cancer?
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Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in women around the world.
Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal cells develop in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. Most cervical cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, a virus that is transmitted through sexual contact.
In the United States, serious harm from cervical cancer is uncommon because it is often discovered in the early stages via a simple Pap test and then treated before it advances.
However, mistakes can be made. Healthcare providers can neglect to recommend the relatively routine test, misread test results, or sometimes fail to diagnose and treat a patient with an abnormal Pap test result.
What are the Symptoms of Cervical Cancer?
Symptoms of cervical cancer may include:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as post-menopausal bleeding, bleeding after sex, or bleeding between menstrual periods
- Lower stomach or pelvis pain
- Pain during sex
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
Client Testimonials
"Everyone at Kline & Specter was awesome, especially Kimberly Comey & David Inscho. They kept me in the loop at all times & answered every question I had. Very professional & very friendly, they treated me like family & I will be forever grateful...I highly recommend them." - A.D.
"Having never been involved in any type of legal proceedings, I did not know what to expect when my physician recommended that I contact an attorney regarding my health issue. I can honestly say that the process was made much easier with the staff at Kline & Specter. Huge debt of gratitude to Atty Chris Gomez, Michelle and Stephanie. They were very patient and guided me every step of the way. Thank you so much." - C.A.
"Kline & Specter have done a tremendous job- David Inscho and Kimberly Comey are a true and tried champion team! They helped me with my case with their thorough, professional work, detailed explanations and gentle and kind actions and words... I most highly recommend them!" - R.G.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Constitutes Medical Negligence in Cervical Cancer Cases?
Medical negligence in cervical cancer cases occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the standard of care expected in diagnosing or treating the disease. This can include:
- Misinterpreting test results
- Failing to order appropriate tests (such as Pap smears or HPV tests)
- Not acting on symptoms that suggest cervical cancer
When these errors lead to a delayed or missed diagnosis, the patient's condition may worsen. This can cause avoidable harm.
If a healthcare provider's actions fall below the accepted standard of care and directly cause injury, this can constitute medical negligence.
How Can I Prove That My Cervical Cancer Diagnosis Was Delayed Due to Negligence?
To prove that your cervical cancer diagnosis was delayed due to negligence, you must demonstrate that your healthcare provider deviated from the standard of care, resulting in harm. This often involves showing that a competent provider in the same situation would have made a different decision, leading to an earlier diagnosis.
Medical records, expert testimony, and documentation of your symptoms and treatment timeline are critical in establishing that the delay was due to negligence. The key is to connect the delay to worsened outcomes or additional harm you suffered.
What Evidence Is Required to File a Cervical Cancer Negligence Lawsuit?
Filing a cervical cancer negligence lawsuit requires substantial evidence, including:
- Medical records that detail your treatment history
- Test results
- Communications with healthcare providers
Expert testimony is also crucial to establish what the standard of care should have been and how your provider deviated from it.
Additionally, you must provide evidence of the harm caused by the delayed diagnosis, such as a worsened prognosis, additional treatments required, or other damages like pain and suffering. This evidence collectively builds a case demonstrating that negligence directly led to your injuries.
How Long Do I Have to File a Medical Malpractice Claim for Cervical Cancer Negligence?
The timeframe for filing a medical malpractice claim, known as the statute of limitations, varies by state.
In Pennsylvania, for instance, you generally have two years from the date you discovered or should have discovered the negligence to file a claim. However, there are exceptions, such as in cases involving minors or when the negligence was intentionally concealed.
It's crucial to consult with a medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible to ensure you file within the appropriate timeframe. Missing this deadline can bar you from seeking compensation.
Why Choose Kline & Specter?
Kline & Specter has more than 50 attorneys, five of whom are also highly skilled doctors, including two O.B./GYNs.
Our firm recently settled two cases – for $1.5 million and $3.25 million – involving cervical cancer. In one case, a Pap smear was misread, while in the other, a doctor failed to order the proper test to rule out cervical cancer after a Pap test indicated the possible presence of the disease.
One patient died while the other was able to receive treatment, but late and after the cancer had spread. Both cases had been rejected by other law firms before the patients came to Kline & Specter. A doctor/lawyer at the firm, after reviewing the patients' medical records, decided that both cases had merit and should be further litigated.
Learn if You Have a Cervical Cancer Claim
If you or a loved one suffered severe injury or death due to a medical error involving a diagnosis of cervical cancer, reach out to the cervical cancer attorneys at Kline & Specter or call directly at 215-772-1000.
Kline & Specter provides free and confidential evaluations of potential cases. We handle cases in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and New York. For cases outside those states, our law firm works with local attorneys.
Schedule a Consultation Today
Call us today to speak with a medical malpractice lawyer who can represent you in your delayed diagnosis of cervical cancer claim.