Medical Malpractice

We all make mistakes. But what if someone else's mistake cost you your health, or your life? An Indiana couple received $3.25 million in damages recently for their medical malpractice case. The Circuit Court found that the wife's doctor's office did not send her removed tumor to pathology for cancer testing in 2002 causing her undue stress and health problems. In 2003, the patient was seen by a different doctor and had another tumor removed. This tumor was immediately tested and was found to be malignant melanoma cancer. The court's ruling will likely be reduced to $1.25 million which is the state's cap. But the patient is currently cancer free but still at risk for developing cancer in the future. (Walker, www.thestarpress.com, 6/27/08)

Medical malpractice occurs when a doctor, hospital or other healthcare provider is negligent by failing to meet the recognized standard of care in the medical community, the failure of which is the proximate cause of the claimed injury or death. In the above referenced case, it was the doctor's inaction and lack of testing of the tumor caused the patient undue stress and an anxiety condition. For more information review our Frequently Asked Questions page. The legal information on this site is not intended to be legal advice. Contact one of our experienced medical malpractice attorneys today to get specific information and answers for your specific situation.