When it comes to serious medical errors, few are as devastating—or as preventable—as a failure to properly diagnose cancer. At Sexner Injury Lawyers LLC, our associated attorneys recently secured an $8,200,000 settlement on behalf of a client who suffered a catastrophic loss due to this very form of medical malpractice. This significant settlement reflects not only the severity of the harm suffered but also the skill, dedication, and relentless advocacy of our experienced legal team.
A Long Fight for Justice—And a Landmark Victory
Through determined effort, our legal team was able to deliver some measure of justice for our client, who suffered a profound and irreversible injury due to the combined negligence of a radiologist, a treating physician, and a hospital.
This case was far from simple. Our attorneys spent more than five years litigating this matter, meticulously gathering medical records, retaining world-renowned medical experts, and navigating complex legal challenges. In fact, the legal journey was so involved that it required taking critical issues of law all the way to the Illinois Supreme Court—a step that few law firms are either equipped for or willing to take. This decision handed down by the Illinois Supreme Court not only greatly helped our client’s case but will continue to help others in similar situations for years to come.
A Medical Error That Profoundly Impacted a Life
At the center of this case was a tragic and avoidable failure to identify a cancerous condition that was present on both X-ray and MRI scans. Although the patient had sought medical care in a timely manner and underwent the proper imaging studies, medical professionals failed to properly review and interpret the imaging results.
Despite clear signs of a serious and potentially life-threatening condition, the cancer diagnosis was missed entirely. As a result, precious time was lost -- time during which the cancer spread unchecked. By the time the error was discovered, it was too late for conservative treatments, and the patient was forced to undergo a life-altering amputation of their leg to save their life.
What Does “Failure to Diagnose” Mean in Medical Malpractice?
“Failure to diagnose” occurs when a healthcare provider fails to recognize and act upon signs and symptoms of a medical condition that a reasonably careful professional should have identified. In legal terms, this is a form of medical negligence, commonly referred to as medical malpractice.
Failure to diagnose can result in:
- Delayed treatment, which may reduce the patient’s chances of recovery
- Incorrect treatment, based on a misdiagnosed or overlooked condition
- Permanent injury, including amputations or paralysis
- Increased suffering, physically and emotionally
- Loss of life, in the most tragic cases
A radiologist, for example, has a legal and medical duty to carefully read and interpret imaging like MRIs, CT scans, and X-rays. When a radiologist overlooks a tumor, misidentifies cancer as a benign mass, or fails to communicate their findings with other doctors, patients are the ones who may pay the ultimate price.
Why Experience Matters
The Sexner Injury Lawyers LLC team is not just another personal injury law firm. With over 35 years of experience and a long record of multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts, our associated attorneys are widely respected not only in Illinois, but throughout the country for their skills in handling even the most difficult medical malpractice cases.
This result, a product of hard work and aggressive lawyering, is not only a victory for one individual, but a testament to what’s possible when injured patients have the right legal team on their side.
Have You or a Loved One Suffered from a Failure to Diagnose or Other Medical Malpractice?
If you or a loved one believe that you may have been the victim of medical malpractice, whether through a delayed diagnosis, a surgical mistake, a medication error, or another form of medical negligence -- you don’t have to face it alone.
The attorneys at Sexner Injury Lawyers LLC welcome the opportunity to speak with you in complete confidentiality. Every case is unique, and understanding your legal rights begins with a simple conversation.
- Free consultations
- Available 24/7, 365 days a year
- No fees unless we are successful
Whether you’re just beginning to ask questions or they that you are ready to take legal action, we are here to listen, inform, and fight for the financial compensation you deserve.
Contact Us Today
You can reach Sexner Injury Lawyers LLC at any time - day or night, weekends or holidays - by calling (312) 243-9922. Our experienced legal team is ready to provide the support and guidance you need to help you work through the most difficult of personal times.
Don’t wait. Let our experience be your strength.
