Missed lung cancer diagnosis prompts medical malpractice verdict

Friday July 11, 2014

When people in Connecticut and across the country seek out medical treatment, they expect their physicians to diagnosis their condition correctly. In addition, proper treatment is expected, as well as any necessary follow-up care. When there is a failure to diagnose a condition or disease — especially one that is potentially fatal — the physicians, other medical staff and the hospital or clinic may be held liable in a medical malpractice lawsuit.

A recent verdict in Connecticut’s regional neighbor of Massachusetts underscores the liability that is possible when a doctor fails to diagnosis a disease. A verdict of $16.7 million was recently awarded to the daughter of a 47-year-old woman who died of lung cancer. The jury verdict was given after evidence was presented during the trial that lung cancer was missed by a radiologist in a chest X-ray.

The verdict, which is the largest of its kind this year in the state, was levied against the radiologist. His attorney stated that he plans to seek a new trial. The hospital issued a statement that said the radiologist “acted in accordance with the diagnostic standards of care and that, sadly, [the woman’s] cancer was incurable at the time [the doctor] became involved in her care.”

The woman went to the emergency room to receive treatment for a cough that would not go away. A chest X-ray was ordered, and the radiologist determined that it was normal. Antibiotics were prescribed by the ER physician for an upper respiratory infection. The woman was released; however, she returned a little over a year later. A CT was ordered this time and the proper diagnosis was made. The woman passed away from lung cancer around seven months later.

Source: Boston Herald, “Jury awards $16.7M in Boston malpractice suit,” June 6, 2014

Get in Touch

Schedule a Free Initial Consultation

At Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, P.C., we handle all cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that we do not get paid unless and until you receive a settlement or a jury award.

Schedule a free, confidential consultation with a skilled Connecticut personal injury lawyer today.

News & insights
KJSR Recognized as Best Personal Injury Firm in CT - 2024
News

KJSR Recognized as Best Personal Injury Firm in CT - 2024

8

February
2024

Can You File a Claim for Injuries Suffered After a Failure-to-Yield Car Accident?
Articles

Can You File a Claim for Injuries Suffered After a Failure-to-Yield Car Accident?

7

December
2023

What Happens if You Fall at Work? (and What to Do Next)
Articles

What Happens if You Fall at Work? (and What to Do Next)

7

December
2023

4 Steps to Take After a Medical Misdiagnosis
Articles

4 Steps to Take After a Medical Misdiagnosis

15

November
2023

News

KJSR Recognized in 2024 edition of Best Law Firms in America®

2

November
2023

Will a Hit-and-Run Claim Raise My Insurance?
Articles

Will a Hit-and-Run Claim Raise My Insurance?

12

October
2023

Surgical Stapler Injuries: Can You File a Lawsuit?
Articles

Surgical Stapler Injuries: Can You File a Lawsuit?

9

October
2023

Everything You Need to Know Before Filing a Pharmaceutical Lawsuit
Insights

Everything You Need to Know Before Filing a Pharmaceutical Lawsuit

21

September
2023

What Happens if the At-Fault Driver Is Deceased After the Accident?
Articles

What Happens if the At-Fault Driver Is Deceased After the Accident?

18

September
2023

What To Do After a Road Construction Accident
Articles

What To Do After a Road Construction Accident

12

September
2023