Breast Cancer

Our Case *

On August 7, 1990, Mrs. Daniel appeared at the Hospital for an examination. On that day, a left breast mass was found. She was referred to the OB-GYN Clinic that same day for a routine pap and breast exam. At the time of the breast examination, a firm 2-centimeter mass in the inferior aspect of the left breast was described. A needle aspiration was performed that day and a STAT mammography was ordered. The mammography was reported as normal and the aspiration from the cytology was returned from the pathology department as "unsatisfactory" due to poor cellularity. A repeat cytology was never ordered.

Mrs. Daniel's tumor was not diagnosed for a period of 13 months, from August 1990 through September 1991. She was treated palliatively with some chemotherapy but subsequently died the following year.

Why were Defendants Negligent?

At the time of the examination on August 7, 1990, Mrs. Daniel was 64 years of age. Due to the delay in diagnosis and treatment, the breast mass was undiagnosed and untreated until September 1991. She was then being observed as a patient in another hospital clinic where a biopsy was performed in October 1991. At the time of biopsy, the breast mass was found to have metastasized to the spinal cord. It was determined that she now had metastatic adnocarcenoma.

The Verdict

The Lewis Law Firm were able to recover a large monetary award as a result of settlement prior to trial. The battle was far from easy but the reward Mrs. Daniel's estate received was well worth it. At the Law Offices of Gayle R. Lewis, we go to battle for you.

* Names have been changed where appropriate