Prostate Cancer Malpractice Attorneys
Diagnosis and Treatment
Prostate cancer is now one of the most common types of cancers in men and is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in men in the United States. Prostate cancer is curable if it is found and treated early.
In the late 1980's, PSA tests were developed. The PSA test is a simple blood test, done as part of a routine checkup, to detect the prostrate - specific antigen, chemicals released only by the prostate into the blood. Too much of the chemical is a warning sign to doctors. An elevated PSA may be a sign of a benign, enlarged prostate, or it may be a sign of cancer. Prostate cancer can only be diagnosed through a biopsy, allowing a pathologist to see cancer cells.
The other main diagnostic test for an enlarged prostate, from benign causes or from cancer, is a digital rectal exam, allowing the doctor to feel the patient’s prostate through the thin wall of the rectum to try to find abnormal lumps or hard masses.
Both tests should be done as part of a routine annual physical. The PSA test is given starting at age 50, except for certain high risk patients, who should begin PSA testing even earlier.
If either are abnormal, referral to a urologist is appropriate. Depending on the circumstances, an ultrasound and/or biopsy may be performed. If prostate cancer is found, surgery is often recommended to remove the prostate. Newer nerve-sparing techniques often result in surgery having fewer side effects.
Malpractice
A successful prostate malpractice case requires the doctor to have deviated from the standard of care resulting in a serious change in the outcome.
Failure to screen for prostate cancer properly is the most common type of prostate cancer malpractice. Failing to refer to a urologist and failing to properly follow up an abnormal result are other common errors.
Generally, the mere fact that prostate surgery results in complications is not malpractice, even if the procedure was described as nerve sparing. Mere delay in diagnosis, without a change in prognosis, generally does not allow for a malpractice suit to be brought.
To bring a successful Michigan or Ohio prostate cancer malpractice case, one or more medical consultants must analyze the facts and testify that physician error led to a changed result. Ideally, topnotch, nationally renowned experts must support the claim.
Why Goren, Goren & Harris?
At Goren, Goren & Harris, P.C., we have experience with prostate malpractice cases. Our firm has licensed prostate cancer diagnosis delay lawyers in Michigan and Ohio, and we can work with lawyers in other states, to help you with your prostate cancer case. To learn more about our firm, we invite you to review our website. Our firm has lawyers who have been recognized in Marquis’ Who’s Who in American Law, Law and Politics’, “SuperLawyers,” and Martindale Hubbell’s listing of Preeminent Law Firms. We have written legal articles, lectured to lawyers and taught law students. Our verdicts and settlements have caused us to achieve recognition and other law firms regularly refer us cases.
If you would like a free consultation, contact us through our website or call us at (800) 670-0579. All our cases are taken on a contingency fee; we do not get paid unless you get paid.
