Man receives medical notes suggesting cancer by mistake

When a person enters the hospital, she or he may forget that the individuals working there are human. This means they can make mistakes and errors that can create serious issues for patients. During an emergency situation, few patients consider this possibility: they simply want to receive the medical attention they need. This often leaves individuals unconcerned about the care they received until after the fact, a which makes them vulnerable to medical mistakes.

One such mistake occurred to a 64-year-old man after he underwent a surgical procedure involving his throat. It was deemed a success, but this was not the issue: The problem was the man had been sent home with the wrong medical notes. According to reports, the notes indicated a lesion had been discovered on his vocal cord during the procedure. That lesion allegedly required a biopsy because staff had concerns that it was cancerous. The man then spent three days worried that he had cancer.

But soon after, the man called the hospital and was informed he had received the incorrect notes upon being discharged. This left the man feeling relieved. Luckily for the hospital, it seems that he will not be filing a claim. Reports indicate he is simply elated that he does not have cancer.

The hospital mistake that affected this man may not be tremendous enough for a successful suit, although it is possible that the emotional turmoil the man experienced due to the error may be enough to push for some sort of compensation. Had the hospital not immediately admitted to its error or performed the incorrect procedure on the man, a claim would have likely been pursuable. Anyone affected by a medical error – be it at the hands of a doctor, nurse or administrative employee – should contact a lawyer to determine if there is anything that can be done.

Source: Exmouth Journal, “Hospital blunder led Exmouth man to believe he had cancer” Becca Gliddon, Jun. 14, 2013


Hospital Negligence

Share


Looking for more answers?


Medical Malpractice in Plain English Book

Get A Copy of Our Book, "Everything You Need to Know about Medical Malpractice in Plain English"

GET YOUR COPY

Explore Topics


Get a free consultation. Speak with a lawyer about your case.

Cirignani, Heller, and Harman Logo

At Cirignani Heller & Harman, LLP, we represent Illinois clients in Chicago and throughout Cook County, including the cities of Cicero, Elgin, Schaumburg, Oak Park, Maywood, Berwyn, Elmhurst, Evanston, Skokie, Des Plaines, Mount Prospect, Arlington Heights, Palatine and Hoffman Estates. We also help clients in DuPage County, Kane County, Lake County, McHenry County, Will County and Winnebago County. If you have been the victim of medical malpractice in Illinois, CHH Law is the law firm with attorneys that can help.

Email Us

CALL US: 312.346.8700 LAUNCH CHAT

Loading Animation
Close Chat Prompt Lawyers Ready To Chat