An Illinois cancer misdiagnosis medical malpractice case resulted in a $10m verdict for the patient. A jury found more than $10m in damages after a man learned he had terminal cancer. His pathology results had been misinterpreted such that he was not told about his cancer earlier nor received appropriate treatment. As we have previously written, cancer survival rates can depend on the type of cancer you have.
Juan and Rosa Avila brought this Illinois cancer misdiagnosis case against a pathologist in Cook County. The pathologist had diagnosed Mr. Avila’s biopsy tests are benighted in April 2008. The pathologist found that the mass was most likely inflammation, when it was actually cancerous.
Over time, Mr. Avila’s cancer grew untreated as a result of the misdiagnosis. Mr. Avila had to put on oxygen and was in hospice care at the time of his trial.
The jury awarded Juan Avila $1.5 million for experienced and future loss of a normal life, $2 million for his shortened life expectancy, $3 million for experienced and future pain and suffering and $1,054,000 for medical costs. It also awarded Rosa Avila $2.5 million for her experienced and future loss of companionship and society.
Doctors, surgeons, nurses, pharmacists, medical technicians, and other healthcare professionals all provide enormously important services to their patients, keeping them healthy in body and mind. Although the majority of these specialists conduct themselves professionally and competently, the negligence of one doctor, hospital, or other healthcare provider can have traumatic and lifelong consequences for patients who receive improper care. Patients who become victims of medical malpractice can suffer death or serious injury, and they and their families have the right to bring a claim against the negligent party.
It is extremely time-consuming and expensive to pursue a complex medical malpractice case. If you feel you have an Illinois cancer misdiagnosis case, you should contact a lawyer as soon as possible to determine whether you have case.