Childhood Cancer Misdiagnosis Attorneys in Chicago
Did a doctor fail to diagnose your child’s cancer and cause harmful delays in their treatment? A misdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary suffering, more aggressive treatments, and lower survival chances. No family should have to endure this due to a doctor’s mistake. If a medical provider ignored symptoms, misread test results, or dismissed your concerns, you could have a malpractice claim.
A medical malpractice lawsuit can enable you to demand answers and hold the responsible parties accountable. Compensation from a claim can also help you cover past and future medical expenses and provide some measure of relief for the pain your family has endured. The cancer misdiagnosis attorneys at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. can review your case, explain your options, and fight for the justice you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss how we can help.
How Our Chicago Cancer Misdiagnosis Lawyers Can Help
Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. has a strong record of success in medical malpractice cases, including those involving childhood cancer misdiagnoses. We have recovered over $2.5 billion for our clients, including the highest compensatory verdict for an individual in Illinois history. Our team has also secured more than 350 verdicts and settlements of $1 million or more. Here is how one cancer misdiagnosis client described his experience working with us:
“My wife found Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard after a delay in my cancer diagnosis. Right away we knew it was the right place for us. My lawyers didn’t waste any time and immediately got to work on my case. They treated us with respect and were reassuring during the deposition process. I couldn’t believe the result my lawyers were able to obtain for my case. I would definitely recommend this law firm to anyone in need of outstanding, honest legal representation.” – Client
Our firm has more than 20 litigators and 35 supporting staff members, which means we have the resources to take on even the most complex malpractice cases. Our childhood cancer misdiagnosis lawyers aggressively pursue justice for families affected by medical negligence, using thorough investigations and expert analysis to build strong claims.
We offer free consultations to help your family understand your legal options. We also work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for your claim. If a childhood cancer misdiagnosis has affected your family, contact us now to discuss how we can help.
Commonly Misdiagnosed Childhood Cancers
Many pediatric cancers cause fatigue, pain, swelling, or fever, which are also symptoms of minor infections and other non-cancerous conditions. Some doctors fail to recognize symptom patterns that suggest cancer, while others do not order the correct tests. The following are some common examples of childhood cancers that doctors frequently misdiagnose:
- Leukemia – Some doctors mistake leukemia for viral infections, anemia, or juvenile arthritis
- Brain Tumors – Brain tumors can mimic migraines, sinus infections, or inner ear disorders
- Neuroblastoma – This cancer can be misdiagnosed as constipation or a urinary tract infection
- Lymphoma – Doctors sometimes misdiagnose lymphoma as mononucleosis or strep throat
- Osteosarcoma – Providers can mistake this bone cancer for sports injuries or growing pains
- Rhabdomyosarcoma – This soft tissue cancer can be mistaken for cysts or minor infections
- Retinoblastoma – This eye cancer can cause vision problems that get misdiagnosed as lazy eye
- Medulloblastoma – This aggressive brain tumor can be mistaken for migraines or viral infections
- Pleuropulmonary Blastoma – This rare lung cancer can mimic pneumonia or asthma
How Childhood Cancer Misdiagnosis Happens and When It Might Be Medical Malpractice
Childhood cancer misdiagnoses can occur if doctors overlook symptoms, misread tests, or fail to follow up on abnormal results. If a misdiagnosis delays proper treatment, the consequences can be severe. If a doctor’s negligence caused the misdiagnosis, they might be liable for medical malpractice.
Failure to Recognize Symptoms
Many early cancer symptoms mimic minor illnesses. Fatigue, fever, and bone pain can resemble viral infections, while swollen lymph nodes are often mistaken for common cold symptoms. Some doctors dismiss parental concerns or attribute symptoms to less serious conditions like growth spurts. If a doctor fails to recognize cancer symptoms, a child’s condition can worsen significantly.
Misinterpretation of Diagnostic Tests
Cancer diagnoses rely on blood tests, imaging, and biopsies. Some doctors fail to order necessary tests, such as MRIs or CT scans, to check for tumors. Even when these tests are performed, misreading or misinterpreting results can lead to diagnostic errors. For example, a doctor might mistake abnormal bloodwork for anemia or overlook irregularities in a biopsy. Failing to conduct follow-up testing after inconclusive results can also delay diagnosis.
Delayed Diagnosis or Misdiagnosis of a Different Condition
Some doctors misdiagnose childhood cancer as a viral infection, autoimmune disorder, or injury. If a child’s symptoms persist but the doctor does not consider cancer, treatment could be delayed. Failing to refer a child to a pediatric oncologist or ignoring abnormal test results can also prevent timely diagnosis.
Dangers of Cancer Misdiagnosis in Children
Early cancer treatment improves survival rates. A misdiagnosis can allow the disease to progress and ultimately make treatment more difficult. Children who receive delayed treatment are more likely to require aggressive therapies, develop long-term complications, and have lower survival chances.
Contact an Experienced Medical Malpractice Lawyer Today
If a doctor’s failure to diagnose cancer harmed your child, a medical malpractice lawyer can help you explore your legal options and bring cancer misdiagnosis claims.
How We Hold Negligent Medical Providers Accountable
Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. investigates medical malpractice claims thoroughly. We review medical records, consult experts, and gather evidence to link provider negligence to misdiagnoses. Our lawyers work to prove that a competent doctor would have recognized the symptoms, ordered the correct tests, and diagnosed cancer sooner.
A cancer misdiagnosis lawsuit can push hospitals and medical providers to improve their practices. Holding them accountable can prevent similar mistakes from happening to other children. If a doctor’s negligence caused a delayed or incorrect cancer diagnosis for your child, we can help you take legal action to demand justice for your family.
Contact Our Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury Law Firm for a Free Case Review
A delayed cancer diagnosis can change a child’s life forever. If a doctor ignored your child’s symptoms, failed to order tests, or misread results, your family should not have to face the consequences alone. Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. can help you hold them accountable and pursue the compensation your family deserves. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case. You pay nothing unless we recover money on your lawsuit.
