Florida Cervical Cancer Litigation Lawyer

There has been a steady decrease in the number of women diagnosed with cervical cancer due largely to more effective screening tests such as the Pap test and HPV testing. However, over 10,000 women will still face cervical cancer diagnoses this year.

Due to the effectiveness of cervical cancer screening techniques, if a woman develops cervical cancer it is important for women to explore whether negligence by their doctor or laboratory caused her cervical cancer diagnosis.

A West Palm Beach cervical cancer litigation lawyer can thoroughly review your case, request medical records, and consult with experts. Work with a qualified cervical cancer attorney that could help guide you through the complex litigation process.

Investigating Cervical Cancer Cases

Cervical cancer is often caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). According to the National Cervical Cancer Coalition, HPV is the cause of approximately 99 percent of all cervical cancer cases.

Because of the high correlation between HPV infections and cervical cancer, doctors must screen sexually active women for HPV.

While HPV may be the single largest cause of cervical cancer, other causes of cervical cancer include:

• Smoking
• Having a weakened immune system
• Long-term mental stress
• Giving birth at a young age
• Multiple pregnancies

The American Cancer Society recommends that all women should receive testing for cervical cancer beginning at the age of 21 and physicians should carefully assess a woman taking into consideration her age and other factors that may cause cervical cancer.

Does Developing Cervical Cancer Constitute Negligence?

Not every woman who develops cervical cancer will have a case for medical malpractice. Cervical cancer develops because of cancerous changes in cervical cells, which then results in abnormal growth and eventually invasion of nearby cells.

In an injury case, a person must prove that their doctor breached the appropriate standard of care. Florida Statute Section 766.102 defines the standard of care as that level of care, skill, and treatment which, in light of all relevant surrounding circumstances, is recognized as acceptable and appropriate by reasonably prudent similar health care providers.

Therefore, for a case of cervical cancer to be medical malpractice a woman and her West Palm Beach cervical cancer litigation lawyer must prove that their doctor did not act as a reasonably prudent health care provider. This may mean showing that a doctor failed to conduct a screening exam for cervical cancer, failed to follow up on abnormal test results, or failed to properly treat or remove cervical cancer.

Filing a West Palm Beach Cervical Cancer Lawsuit

Florida Statute 766.102(1) provides that a woman or her family may file a lawsuit for medical malpractice in cases where their doctor breached the professional standard of care. Under this statute, a woman may recover compensation for cervical cancer provided she can prove that her doctor breached their duty of care and she suffered an injury or harm as a result. A West Palm Beach cervical cancer litigation lawyer

Necessity of a West Palm Beach Cervical Cancer Litigation Attorney

However, filing an action requires following exacting filing procedures including consulting with a medical expert, filing notices to all defendants, and proving that a doctor breached their duty of care. Working with a cervical cancer litigation attorney is important in any cervical cancer case.

A West Palm Beach cervical cancer litigation lawyer can meet with you and discuss your case. An attorney understands the impact cervical cancer can have on you and your family and is dedicated to helping victims and their families hold doctors responsible for negligence.