Incorrect Treatment
This includes administering the wrong medication, incorrect dosages, or establishing treatment plans not suited to your specific type of cancer. Such errors can exacerbate your condition, lead to unnecessary side effects, and worsen your prognosis.
Surgical Mishaps
Surgical errors in oncology are some of the more severe examples of malpractice. These include:
- Operating on the wrong area
- Failing to remove all cancerous tissues
- Causing unintended damage to surrounding organs
Surgical mistakes frequently result in further health problems by requiring additional surgeries and prolonging recovery times.
No Informed Consent
Patients have the right to be fully informed about their treatment options, including the risks and benefits. Oncologists must provide clear and comprehensive information to allow patients to make informed decisions. A lack of informed consent might result in treatments or procedures you weren’t adequately prepared to handle.
Incomplete Follow-Up Care
It’s an oncologist's duty to monitor their patients' progress and respond to any changes. Consistent follow-up is critical to address any adverse drug reactions or adjust treatment plans as needed. Failing to conduct necessary follow-up appointments or ignoring patient concerns is a form of malpractice that causes untreated complications and worsened health outcomes.
What to Do If You Suspect Oncology Malpractice
First, arrange for a second opinion from another health care provider. A full and thorough medical examination is necessary to get to the heart of the issue and address it properly. Another oncologist can help confirm if malpractice did take place and provide additional insight into what to do next to maintain your health.
Second, keep track of all documents relating to your health condition, including:
- Medical bills and related expenses
- Detailed records regarding diagnosis, treatment recommendations, medications, and procedures
- Post-treatment and post-operative directives
This documentation is critical when seeking compensation in legal proceedings as well as additional medical consultations required.
Third, report all concerns regarding the prospect of malpractice to the medical facility where you believe it took place. Hospitals will likely have an internal review process to help address the issue. However, this doesn’t replace the need for your own legal counsel.
When and Why to Contact a Kansas City Malpractice Lawyer
Don’t hesitate to contact Fowler Pickert Eisenmenger Norfleet right away if you’re concerned about oncology malpractice. In Missouri, the statute of limitations to file most medical malpractice cases is two years after the date of injury. Since medical negligence is challenging to prove, you want trusted legal counsel on your side, working diligently from the start to build a solid case. Here’s what our skilled team can do for you.
Detail Your Rights
A lawyer specializing in medical malpractice can help you understand your legal rights and options. They can explain the complexities of malpractice law in Missouri and ensure you have a clear picture of what your case might entail.
Preserve and Gather Evidence
It takes time to collect enough proof to support your claims. Our experienced team will help obtain:
- Your medical records
- Correspondence with the oncologist, the treatment team, and your insurance provider
- Bills and receipts
- Your personal health journal
- Insurance documents
- Expert testimonies
If you lost a loved one due to oncology malpractice, you might also need to provide autopsy results as proof of negligence.
Navigate Legal Procedures
Lawsuits are complicated. Our medical malpractice attorneys guide you through each step, from filing the claim and identifying all potentially liable parties to negotiating with insurance companies and representing you in court, if necessary. The expertise you gain from hiring an attorney can considerably increase your chances of a successful outcome.
Maximizing Compensation
It’s only right you receive compensation for all of your pain and suffering. Rectifying oncology malpractice can result in significant medical expenses, loss of income, and emotional distress. When seeking the maximum compensation possible, the experienced team of Fowler Pickert Eisenmenger Norfleet evaluates all aspects of financial remuneration to which you’re entitled. While this doesn’t resolve what happened to you or your loved ones, it can help provide for a more promising future.