Pancreatic Cancer Misdiagnosis
We trust our healthcare providers to do the right thing, as our lives are literally in their hands. Sadly, doctors make life-changing, sometimes deadly mistakes when they fail to provide an accurate cancer diagnosis. A delayed or incorrect pancreatic cancer diagnosis can limit treatment options and put your health at serious risk. If a medical mistake caused you or a loved one to suffer, you could be entitled to compensation from a medical malpractice claim.
A pancreatic cancer misdiagnosis lawyer in Chicago from Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. can review your case and take legal action on your behalf. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can help you seek justice for the harm you have suffered.
How Our Chicago Medical Malpractice Lawyers Can Help
If you know or suspect that you have a pancreatic cancer misdiagnosis lawsuit in Illinois, you need representation from a law firm with a strong record of results. At Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., we have recovered more than $2.5 billion for our clients, and we are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. Our team has secured more than 350 verdicts and settlements of $1 million or more, including the highest compensatory verdict awarded to an individual plaintiff in Illinois history.
Here is what one satisfied client had to say about our representation in their medical malpractice case:
“My wife found Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard after a delay in my cancer diagnosis. Right away we knew it was the right place for us. My lawyers didn’t waste any time and immediately got to work on my case. They treated us with respect and were reassuring during the deposition process. I couldn’t believe the result my lawyers were able to obtain for my case. I would definitely recommend this law firm to anyone in need of outstanding, honest legal representation.”— Cesar I.
Our team includes more than 20 litigators and over 35 supporting staff members, which means we have the resources to build strong cases against negligent doctors and hospitals. We are committed to fighting for you, whether through settlement negotiations or in the courtroom. Our law firm offers free, no-obligation consultations to review your case and explain your legal options. You pay nothing unless we win compensation for you.
How Pancreatic Cancer Misdiagnosis Happens
Pancreatic cancer often progresses without obvious warning signs, so early detection is critical. If doctors overlook key symptoms or dismiss patient concerns, the cancer can spread without proper treatment.
Failure to Recognize Symptoms
Some pancreatic cancer symptoms resemble common digestive issues, which can lead doctors to assume the problem is indigestion, acid reflux, or irritable bowel syndrome. Patients might report unexplained weight loss, back pain, or jaundice, but doctors sometimes dismiss these signs as minor problems rather than considering a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. The failure to consider risk factors, such as a family history of pancreatic cancer or diabetes, can also lead to a missed cancer diagnosis.
Misinterpretation of Diagnostic Tests
Some doctors neglect to order imaging tests such as CT scans, MRIs, or endoscopic ultrasounds, which can detect pancreatic tumors. Even when providers perform these tests, lab errors can cause incorrect blood test results and lead to a false sense of security. Pathologists might also misread biopsy samples or classify tumors incorrectly, which can cause detection and treatment delays.
Delayed Diagnosis or Failure to Refer to a Specialist
Some doctors ignore or dismiss patient complaints instead of investigating serious issues. Additionally, even if initial tests show abnormal results, delays in ordering follow-up imaging or biopsies can prevent early detection. Some doctors also fail to refer patients to oncologists or gastroenterologists, leaving them without the specialized care they need. These delays can allow the cancer to progress, limiting treatment options and reducing survival rates.
Consequences of Pancreatic Cancer Misdiagnosis
A pancreatic cancer misdiagnosis can have severe health consequences. If doctors fail to detect this disease early, it can progress to advanced, inoperable stages. Patients with late-stage pancreatic cancer often have no options besides aggressive treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation, or extensive surgery, which can weaken the body and cause severe side effects.
Delays in diagnosis increase the risk of metastasis, which involves the cancer spreading to the liver, lungs, or other organs. Once the disease spreads, treatment options become more limited and survival rates drop. A late diagnosis often shortens life expectancy and makes the disease more difficult to manage.
Beyond the physical toll, misdiagnoses cause emotional and financial strain. Patients and families often face greater medical bills, income losses, and psychological distress due to coping with a more severe, less treatable illness.
When Does a Pancreatic Cancer Misdiagnosis Qualify as Medical Malpractice?
A pancreatic cancer misdiagnosis could qualify as medical malpractice if the doctor failed to recognize clear warning signs or risk factors. If you had symptoms like unexplained weight loss, jaundice, or persistent pain, but your doctor ignored these signs, they could be liable for malpractice.
Medical malpractice can also occur if a doctor fails to order necessary tests, misreads results, or delays follow-up testing. If a delayed diagnosis led to a significant worsening of your condition, you might have grounds for a cancer misdiagnosis lawsuit. A lawsuit could help you recover compensation for medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Legal Options for Victims of Pancreatic Cancer Misdiagnosis
If you or someone close to you suffered harm due to a pancreatic cancer misdiagnosis, you could file a medical malpractice lawsuit against the responsible healthcare providers. This legal action can help you recover compensation for medical expenses, including the costs of past and future treatments. You could also seek compensation for lost wages, reduced earning potential, and pain and suffering.
You must show that the delayed or incorrect diagnosis stemmed from your doctor’s failure to follow the standard of care to prove medical malpractice. Families of deceased patients can also file wrongful death claims to seek compensation for their losses. An experienced lawyer from Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. can help you gather evidence and build a strong case against negligent providers.
Contact Our Medical Malpractice Law Firm for a Free Case Review
If a pancreatic cancer misdiagnosis harmed you or a loved one, Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. can review your case and help you explore your legal options. Call us today or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation with a delayed diagnosis pancreatic cancer attorney in Chicago.
