Medical advancements over the past two decades or more have changed how cancer is treated. It has also improved survival rates of some types of cancer. A key factor to successfully treat breast cancer, lung cancer and colon cancer is early diagnosis and immediate treatment.
Cancers may develop from environmental factors such as smoking or carcinogenic foods. Some people have a genetic predisposition to certain cancers. But many times, the cause of cancers is unknown, and there is family history or known risk factors.
Most often, a malpractice or negligence claim involving cancer refers to a delay in making the correct diagnosis. Once cancer is diagnosed, it is usually treated properly. Whether or a cancer patient recovers primarily depends upon the type of cancer and stage of cancer at diagnosis.

Establishing a claim for medical malpractice requires evidence that the client was deprived of a chance for a better outcome had the cancer been diagnosed at an earlier stage. The evidence may center on errors of primary care doctors, oncologists or radiologists relating to office visits, reported symptoms and diagnostic tests. It may center on delayed treatment or inappropriate treatments that were not consistent with standard protocols for that type and stage of cancer.

We also handle cases in which clients were harmed by cancer misdiagnosis, such as a false positive leading to unnecessary surgery, chemotherapy or radiation.
Please contact an Ann Arbor failure to diagnose cancer lawyer at Goethel Engelhardt, PLLC, to determine if you have a case for cancer misdiagnosis. We can be reached by phone at 734-545-8421 or through our convenient online contact form.
Medical negligence can leave patients and their families facing additional treatment, permanent disabilities, lost income, overwhelming expenses, or the loss of a loved one. Whether the harm resulted from a diagnostic failure, surgical mistake, anesthesia complication, birth injury, hospital infection, or another breakdown in care, determining what happened requires a detailed investigation. Goethel Engelhardt, PLLC represents patients and families in Ann Arbor with focused legal guidance and extensive experience handling medical malpractice and serious injury litigation.
The firm investigates claims involving physicians, nurses, surgeons, anesthesiologists, hospitals, emergency departments, and other healthcare providers. Ann Arbor is home to major medical institutions, including University of Michigan Health and Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital, making it an important regional destination for emergency care, surgery, cancer treatment, maternity services, and specialized medicine. Medical malpractice lawsuits arising in the area may proceed through the Washtenaw County Trial Court, located on East Huron Street in downtown Ann Arbor. Goethel Engelhardt, PLLC helps clients evaluate medical records, consult appropriate experts, and determine whether the care provided complied with the applicable professional standard.
The firm serves clients throughout Downtown Ann Arbor, Kerrytown, Burns Park, Lower Burns Park, Water Hill, Old West Side, Northside, and surrounding communities such as Ypsilanti, Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, and Pittsfield Township. Whether a case involves a delayed diagnosis, surgical injury, preventable infection, medication mistake, or negligent obstetrical care, experienced representation can make the difference between unanswered questions and a thoroughly investigated claim seeking accountability for preventable harm.
Ann Arbor is a major healthcare and research center serving patients from across Washtenaw County and southeastern Michigan. Families receiving care near the University of Michigan Medical Campus, C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, downtown Ann Arbor, and the broader Washtenaw Avenue corridor may face complex questions when treatment results in unexpected harm. Goethel Engelhardt, PLLC helps injured patients and their families understand their legal options and pursue claims involving serious medical negligence.
3049 Miller Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
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