What can I do?

Question

Two and a half years ago, I had my annual "woman" check up, and everything was fine, no abnormalities. Then, six months after that, I changed to a RNC and had another check up. To make a long story short, my pap results for the exam I had with the RNC turned out to be abnormal, and they NEVER notified me. Because my husband and I were trying to concieve, I didn't go back until recently...that's when I discovered the results. Well, the results came back abnormal on my most recent visit as well. As it turns out, my new doc told me that I may have cervical cancer. If the RNC's office would have informed me of the abnormal results, this might have been prevented.. Is there anything I can do?

PS, I had a colposcopy done by an actual Dr (Not going back to that RNC anymore), and she was the one that said it could be Cervical cancer.

One more thing...the RNC was the one that told me I was never notified...she also said she could tell that it had never been attempted as the results sheet was missing a signature.

Answer 1

Medical malpractice attorney will normally give you a free consultation to see how strong a case you have.

You also need to get that consultation over with to get this stress out of your life and heal up. Stress and tension are the enemy when dealing with cancer, relaxation and laughter and love will help you beat it! Good luck, Suz

Answer 2

Call a lawyer this is the type of case they would do on a contingency basis if you have the necessary documents to prove the malpractice. Did you ask the RNC why you were not notified? Can they prove they tried to notify you and did not succeed do to something you did such as mistakenly writing your number down wrong or having your number changed and not notifying them? If you are certain you did what you needed to then again call a lawyer and at the very least have your medical bills paid for.

Answer 3

I have seen reports of this happening before. Get another test done ASAP, don't sitting around waiting for them to call you with results, when you have the test done find out when the results will be available and call yourself. If indeed this is correct, you most definitely can seek legal action against the physician, lab and whoever else. Get that second or third opinion and get an attorney lined up.

Answer 4

Perhaps. But it depends on facts and on professional opinions that Y! can't substitute for.

I think you should see a specialized med mal lawyer who is highly thought of within the legal fraternity. Don't use the Yellow Pages or the Bar referral. Ask and keep asking; interview more than one.

If none are interested in your case, that should tell you that your case is unlikely to succeed. (Of course many lawyers will be interested if you are prepared to pay cash up front. I'm talking of a contingency fee basis.)

In some jurisdictions there may be a statute of limitations or a statute of repose problem after more than 2 years. There could also be a problem of proof.

Good luck.

Answer 5

You can sue them someone from that office should have called you ad let you know that you need to speak to the Dr. If you would have died from it their would have been a huge law suite..i would contact a lawer about the hole thing

Answer 6

I'm sorry, but legally, it's up to you to follow up on your test results. Every decent doctor should make sure that their patients know about abnormal test results, but it's not their legal responsibility, it's yours.

I would make sure that whatever hospitals allow this doctor to associate with them are notified of his lack of caring. Other than that, just be grateful that you did find out.

Answer 7

see a specialist, get well.