Although melanoma accounts for just 1% of skin cancers, it causes more skin cancer deaths than any other type – especially when a physician fails to catch it in its early stages.
If you or a loved one has suffered due to a delayed melanoma diagnosis, Kline & Specter may be able to help. With a track record of winning high-profile medical malpractice cases, our attorneys, including five who are also medical doctors, will guide you through the legal process.
How a Late Melanoma Diagnosis Puts Lives at Risk
Early-stage melanoma is often treated successfully with minor surgery. However, when left undiagnosed, the cancer can spread to the lymph nodes and other organs. A late diagnosis can lead to:
- Invasive treatments: Advanced melanoma may require chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy, which can have severe side effects.
- Increased risk of metastasis: Once melanoma spreads to the lungs, liver, or brain, survival rates drop significantly.
- Emotional and financial burdens: Delayed treatment typically means more medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.
How Medical Negligence Leads to Delayed Melanoma Diagnoses
A delay in diagnosing melanoma is often preventable. Some common reasons for medical negligence in these situations include:
- The doctor failed to recognize suspicious moles or lesions.
- The doctor misinterpreted the biopsy results.
- The doctor did not order necessary tests or follow-ups.
- The doctor did not refer the patient to a specialist.
Physicians are expected to identify and treat conditions promptly and accurately. When a failure to do so results in a delayed melanoma diagnosis, patients may have the right to pursue legal action.
Your Legal Options After a Delayed Melanoma Diagnosis
If a healthcare provider’s negligence caused your melanoma to progress to an advanced stage, you could be eligible to seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death (if you lost a loved one)
Discuss Your Case Today
A delayed melanoma diagnosis can change your life and even put it at risk. An experienced attorney, like those at Kline & Specter, will advocate for you and help you decide how to proceed. Call our firm at 215-772-1000 or submit our contact form.
Kline & Specter provides free and confidential evaluations of potential cases. Kline & Specter handles cases in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and New York. For cases outside those states, the law firm works with local attorneys in each state as applicable.