According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, 9,500 people in the United States are diagnosed with skin cancer every day. Detecting skin cancer early is crucial for effective treatment. Unfortunately, there are instances where medical professionals dismiss skin changes, which can prevent a patient from getting the care they need.
Ignoring Skin Changes Dangers
Ignoring skin changes can have severe consequences. Some marks, moles, or discolorations may seem harmless, but they could be early signs of a dangerous condition. Skin cancer early detection can mean the difference between successful treatment and a life-threatening illness. Failure to diagnose or a misdiagnosis of a serious skin condition by a healthcare provider can lead to harmful and potentially devastating consequences. When medical negligence plays a role, victims may have legal options to seek justice and compensation.
Skin Cancer Warning Signs
Skin cancer can manifest in various forms and is one of the most common types of cancer. Some signs of this condition include:
- The development of new moles
- Alterations in the size or color of existing moles
- Sores that do not heal
- Red or scaly skin patches
These signs should never be ignored. For this reason, the importance of skin cancer screening cannot be overstated. Regular screenings allow doctors to catch suspicious changes early, increasing the likelihood of successful treatment. When a medical provider fails to recognize warning signs, a patient may miss the chance for early intervention.
Medical Malpractice Risks in Diagnosing Skin Conditions
Medical professionals are expected to recognize possible signs of serious conditions and take appropriate steps. When they fail to do so, patients may suffer avoidable harm. Negligence in diagnosing skin conditions can occur in several ways.
Failure to Diagnose or Misdiagnosis
A doctor may dismiss a patient’s concerns, misinterpret test results, or overlook clear warning signs. This may result in delayed treatment, giving the condition time to worsen. A missed or incorrect diagnosis can turn a treatable condition into a severe or even fatal one. In these cases, patients may have the right to pursue legal action.
Inadequate Testing and Follow-Up
Doctors should order the necessary tests when there is reason to suspect a serious skin condition. The delay can be costly if they fail to recommend a biopsy, refer a patient to a specialist, or schedule follow-up appointments. Patients place their trust in doctors to deliver the care they need, and when that trust is betrayed, the consequences can be deeply damaging.
Contact Our Medical Malpractice Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Medical providers who fail to take skin changes seriously put patients at risk. If a doctor failed to diagnose or properly treat a severe skin condition that caused harm to you or someone close to you, you may have legal options. Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. has the experience and resources to handle medical malpractice cases.
Our firm has successfully recovered more than $2.5 billion for our clients, including achieving the largest compensatory verdict ever awarded to an individual plaintiff in Illinois history. With a proven track record of over 350 verdicts and settlements exceeding $1 million, our team of 20-plus skilled litigators and 35-plus dedicated support staff is committed to delivering exceptional results. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can fight for you.
