Key Takeaways
- Skin cancer is almost always curable with early detection, but doctors sometimes fail to diagnose it.
- The Skin Cancer Foundation says doctors diagnose 5.4 million basal and squamous cell carcinoma cases yearly, plus approximately 76,000 new melanoma cases.
- CDC risk factors include lighter skin, family or personal history, sun exposure, skin that burns easily, many moles, and past sunburns or indoor tanning.
- Doctors should order a biopsy of suspicious areas, and one who fails to diagnose skin cancer may be liable for injuries from delayed treatment.
- Under Oregon’s modified comparative fault rule, damages are reduced by your share of fault, and recovery requires 50% or less of the fault.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, doctors diagnose 5.4 million cases of basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma (the most common types of skin cancer) every year, in addition to approximately 76,000 new cases of melanoma. With early detection, skin cancer is almost always curable. Unfortunately, doctors sometimes fail to diagnose. Contact Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC in Portland, OR if you have been injured by the failure to diagnose skin cancer. As our Portland Squamous Cell Carcinoma Lawyer works on a contingency fee basis, there is no fee to you until we win your case.
Speak to a Portland Medical Malpractice Lawyer for Assistance Today
Why Choose Our Portland Failure to Diagnose Skin Cancer Lawyer?
- Our Portland medical malpractice attorneys have more than 50 years of combined experience.
- We have an excellent reputation, with recognitions and awards from many respected organizations.
- We are aggressive negotiators and experienced trial lawyers who will not hesitate to go to trial to pursue full and fair compensation in your case.
Failure to DiagnoseWatchRisks of FTD Skin Cancer
Some people have a higher risk than others of developing skin cancer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports the following risk factors for skin cancer:
- Lighter natural skin tone
- Family history of skin cancer
- Exposure to the sun
- Skin that burns, freckles, or reddens easily
- Blond or red hair
- Blue or green eyes
- Certain types or a large number of moles
- Personal history of skin cancer
- History of sunburns, particularly early in life
- History of indoor tanning
As stated by the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, additional risk factors for skin cancer include:
- Smoking
- Exposure to certain chemicals, such as arsenic, coal, paraffin, industrial tar, and certain types of oil
- Human papilloma virus (HPV) infections
- Radiation therapy
- Psoriasis treatment with a combination of psoralen and ultraviolet light
“At Paulson Coletti, ‘liberty and justice for all’ is more than just a phrase – it is our mandate. Our team of trial lawyers is driven to pursue justice for the injured, ensuring that the responsible parties are held accountable. Whether your case settles or goes to trial, you can trust our Oregon personal injury lawyers to be the legal advocates you need so your voice can be heard.”
Who Is Liable for a Failure to Diagnose Skin Cancer?
Signs of skin cancer include irregular spots, growths that change color, moles that change shape, and scabs that do not heal. Dermatologists and other doctors have a responsibility to carefully evaluate skin conditions and ask the right questions to rule out or diagnose skin cancer. If an area looks suspicious, the treating doctor should order a biopsy. A doctor who fails to diagnose and correctly identify the type of skin cancer may be liable for the patient’s injuries caused by a delay in treatment.
Why Do You Need an Attorney for Your Case?
When bringing a medical malpractice claim against a healthcare provider, such as failure to diagnose skin cancer, the burden of proof rests with you. You must prove that the doctor’s actions represented a breach of the professional standard of care. The standard of care is the level of skill, care, and treatment that is recognized as acceptable in similar circumstances by reasonably prudent healthcare providers.
Oregon is a modified comparative fault state. This means that the court may assign a percentage of fault to each party involved in a lawsuit. Any damages awarded are reduced in proportion to the percentage of fault you have been assigned. Pursuant to the 51% rule, you will only be able to recover damages if you are assigned 50% or less of the fault for your injuries. Our experienced Portland medical malpractice lawyers can obtain and secure evidence to support your claim and present a compelling case on your behalf.
“Most cases settle, but each of our cases is prepared as if it’s going to trial. The insurance companies know it and so do the defense lawyers defending them. That’s why we get such great results for our clients.”
Contact Our Portland Failure to Diagnose Skin Cancer Lawyer Today
Failure to diagnose skin cancer can have serious consequences for patients. If you have been injured through this medical error, contact Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC today for a free case consultation.