Ovarian cancer occurs when one or both of a woman’s ovaries have cancerous cells. One significant issue with diagnosing ovarian cancer is that it usually does not have any noticeable symptoms early on.
When a woman does start to observe symptoms, the ovarian cancer is usually in its late stages. Even then, some women may still have no symptoms at all. Early detection, however, can increase the treatment success rate to about 85 percent.
Given the severe risks of untreated ovarian cancer, a doctor’s failure to diagnose or misdiagnosis of this condition could be critically damaging and dangerous to your health. Fortunately, a qualified medical malpractice attorney could help you recover in court. If you were misdiagnosed with ovarian cancer, it may be beneficial for you to contact a Florida ovarian cancer medical malpractice lawyer to find out your legal rights.
Physician Duties
Doctors have an obligation and a duty to treat the patients in their care with a “level of care, skill, and treatment which, in light of all relevant surrounding circumstances, is recognized as acceptable and appropriate by reasonably prudent similar health care providers,” as per Florida Statutes §766.102(1). Negligence toward a patient that leads to serious injury or death is commonly referred to as medical malpractice.
When a physician misdiagnoses or wrongly diagnoses a case of ovarian cancer, it may constitute a case for medical malpractice. An affected patient may want to contact a Florida ovarian cancer medical malpractice lawyer under any of the following circumstances:
- An incorrect diagnosis
- Failure by a physician to follow up on a positive diagnosis
- Proper ovarian cancer treatments were not offered
- Ovarian cancer treatments were incorrect or delayed
Medical Malpractice Statute of Limitations
Statutes of limitations govern the amount of time given after an accident or injury in which the victim may file a lawsuit. Florida’s statute of limitations for medical malpractice lawsuits is covered in Florida Statutes §95.11(4)(b). In Florida, a medical malpractice lawsuit must be filed within two years of the date on which the harm resulting from the malpractice was or should have been discovered.
Additionally, there is a four-year limit in total, meaning that if the injury or harm was discovered more than four years after the wrongful action or inaction of a physician, the potential plaintiff may be barred from seeking compensation. Due to the time sensitivity of medical malpractice cases, the sooner the injured party can hire a medical malpractice attorney in Florida, the better.
How a Florida Ovarian Cancer Medical Malpractice Attorney Can Help
If you or a family member believe a medical professional failed to live up to appropriate professional standards regarding an ovarian cancer diagnosis, a Florida ovarian cancer medical malpractice lawyer may be able to help. Discussing your case with an experienced medical malpractice attorney could be the first step you take towards rebuilding your life.
If there is a case for medical malpractice, your attorney can file a lawsuit on your behalf. Although it cannot correct the damage that has already taken place, it may help make the future more manageable. Call today for legal assistance with your ovarian medical malpractice case.
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