Why Choose Us Over Other Failure to Diagnose Cancer Attorneys in Western Massachusetts?
At Better Call Al, we bring compassion and aggressive legal advocacy to every case we take on. Here’s why so many clients in Western Massachusetts choose our firm:
- More than 30 years of experience handling medical malpractice cases, including complex cancer misdiagnosis claims.
- Recognized by Super Lawyers and other top legal directories, reflecting consistent peer and client recognition.
- AV Preeminent® rated by Martindale-Hubbell for professional excellence and ethics, the highest rating for legal ability and integrity.
- Millions recovered in cancer misdiagnosis and other medical negligence claims, helping clients secure the resources they need to move forward.
- Personalized attention and dedicated case strategies, tailored to the unique details of each client’s situation.
- In-depth knowledge of local courts in Springfield and across Western Mass, giving clients a strategic advantage throughout the legal process.
- Free consultations, so you can get answers without any financial commitment.
Delayed Cancer Diagnosis?
Call Better Call Al for a free case review and learn more today: (413) 736-1616
Why You Should See a Springfield Failure to Diagnose Cancer Lawyer Right Away
Massachusetts has a strict statute of limitations that limits how long you have to file a claim, and gathering the necessary medical records and evidence takes time. The sooner you speak with a Springfield failure to diagnose cancer attorney, the stronger your case will be. At Better Call Al, we begin working immediately to investigate what went wrong, secure expert medical opinions, and preserve important evidence.
Do You Have a Legitimate Case?
You may have a valid claim if your provider:
- Dismissed your symptoms without ordering appropriate testing
- Misread or ignored diagnostic tests such as mammograms, CT scans, or biopsies
- Failed to follow up on abnormal results
- Delayed referring you to a specialist
- Misdiagnosed cancer as another condition
Our legal team will carefully review your medical records and consult with expert witnesses to determine if your case meets the criteria for a malpractice claim.
What’s the Legal Process for a Failure to Diagnose Cancer Claim?
Medical malpractice claims in Massachusetts involve several key steps. At Better Call Al, we walk with you through each stage of the process to ensure your voice is heard and your rights are protected:
- Free Initial Consultation: We start by listening to your experience, reviewing any documents or test results you have, and assessing whether the facts suggest a potential failure to diagnose claim. This no-obligation conversation helps determine if moving forward is in your best interest.
- Medical Record Review: We collect all relevant medical records, including hospital notes, imaging, lab results, and treatment summaries, to piece together what happened, when, and what may have been missed.
- Expert Review: Under Massachusetts law, a qualified medical expert must review your case and provide a written opinion certifying that the provider deviated from accepted medical standards and that this caused harm.
- Notice and Filing: If the expert confirms your case has merit, we formally notify the healthcare provider and file the complaint with the court.
- Discovery: This phase involves gathering detailed evidence, including written questions, document exchanges, and sworn testimony from medical professionals and other parties involved.
- Negotiation or Trial: Many claims are resolved through settlement, but we are always ready to present your case in court to pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
What Is the Statute of Limitations in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts generally requires that medical malpractice claims, including failure to diagnose cancer, be filed within three years from the date the injury was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered.
However, there is also a statute of repose, which bars claims more than seven years after the alleged malpractice occurred, regardless of when it was discovered.
Special rules apply to minors and cases involving fraud or concealment. Because these deadlines can be complex, we urge you to contact Better Call Al as soon as possible to preserve your rights.
Types of Compensation Available
In Massachusetts, you may be entitled to seek compensation for a wide range of damages, both economic and non-economic, depending on the impact the delay has had on your health, finances, and overall quality of life.
You may be eligible to recover damages for:
- Medical expenses (past, current, and anticipated future care)
- Lost income from time away from work
- Loss of earning capacity if your condition prevents you from returning to your prior employment
- Pain and suffering, including physical pain and long-term effects of aggressive or extended treatment
- Loss of enjoyment of life, for limitations on activities and lifestyle
- Emotional distress, anxiety, and psychological harm caused by the delay
- Additional treatments or surgeries required due to the progression of the disease
- Wrongful death damages, if the delayed diagnosis resulted in the death of a loved one
At Better Call Al, we work closely with medical and financial experts to fully understand the scope of your damages and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Wrong Diagnosis. Real Harm.
Better Call Al is ready to stand up for you and your family. Call (413) 736-1616 today.
Types of Cancer That Are Frequently Misdiagnosed
Certain types of cancer are more commonly misdiagnosed or diagnosed too late.
Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer symptoms, such as blood in the urine or painful urination, are often mistaken for urinary tract infections. Delayed diagnosis can lead to progression beyond the bladder lining, making treatment far more complex.
Breast Cancer
Failure to detect lumps on a mammogram, misinterpreting imaging, or not following up on abnormal findings can delay life-saving treatment. Breast cancer is one of the most commonly misdiagnosed cancers in women.
Cervical Cancer
Routine Pap smears are designed to catch cervical cancer early, but misread results or a failure to investigate abnormal bleeding can result in a missed diagnosis.
Testicular Cancer
This cancer affects younger men and can be missed if a physician dismisses pain or swelling as minor. Early diagnosis is critical to avoid the spread to lymph nodes and other areas.
Colon Cancer
Colorectal cancer can be misdiagnosed as hemorrhoids, IBS, or other GI conditions. A delay in conducting a colonoscopy or ignoring red-flag symptoms like rectal bleeding can lead to a failure to diagnose.
Kidney Cancer
Often asymptomatic in its early stages, kidney cancer may be missed during routine imaging or dismissed as back pain or infection. Timely CT scans or ultrasounds are essential for early detection.
Gastric Cancer
Symptoms like indigestion or nausea may be brushed off, delaying the diagnosis of gastric cancer. This aggressive cancer has a better prognosis when caught early.
Oral Cancer
Lesions, ulcers, or white patches in the mouth should be examined thoroughly. Dentists and physicians sometimes fail to biopsy suspicious areas, delaying diagnosis.
Esophageal Cancer
Difficulty swallowing or persistent heartburn can be early signs. Misattributing these symptoms to acid reflux without testing can lead to advanced-stage discovery.
Spinal Cancer
Spinal tumors may present with back pain, neurological symptoms, or weakness. These can be misdiagnosed as routine musculoskeletal issues, delaying necessary imaging and intervention.
Lung Cancer
Chronic cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain are often linked to bronchitis or asthma. Delays in ordering chest X-rays or CT scans can allow lung cancer to progress undetected.
Skin Cancer
Melanomas and other dangerous skin cancers may be overlooked during routine exams or mistaken for benign conditions. Delayed biopsy or referral to a dermatologist can be fatal.
Soft-Tissue Sarcoma
These rare cancers often appear as lumps under the skin and can be misdiagnosed as cysts or lipomas. Imaging and biopsy are essential, and a delay can allow the cancer to metastasize.
What Clients Are Saying About Us
He did a great job as an attorney and as a person - Willie Lopez
Al was recommended by a family member and it was a great choice. He didn’t treat it as a job he had to do, he shows he cares for your well-being just as much as solving your case. He would check up on me making sure my mental health and physical health were well. He did a great job as an attorney and as a person.
He listens and cares about his clients - Kiley Perrone
Having Al working on my case has been an absolute pleasure! He is always willing to educate, advise, and clarify the process, and is available via text or email through all hours of the day. His hard work earned me a settlement big enough to buy my first home! And he listens and cares about his clients. I have nothing but good things to say about my experience with Al while going through a very stressful and painful time. If you're ever injured, better call Al!
Speak With an Experienced Western Massachusetts Failure to Diagnose Cancer Attorney
You don't have to face this alone. At Better Call Al, we won’t hesitate to stand up to healthcare institutions and insurance companies on your behalf. In fact, we’ve been doing it for decades.
Call (413) 736-1616 today for a free consultation.
Let us review your case, answer your questions, and help you understand your legal options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a failure to diagnose cancer case?
It’s a type of medical malpractice where a healthcare provider fails to identify cancer in a timely manner, causing delays in treatment that may result in harm, progression of the disease, or reduced chances of survival.
How do I know if my cancer diagnosis was delayed due to negligence?
If your doctor ignored warning signs, failed to order necessary tests, misread imaging, or misdiagnosed your symptoms as something else, and that delay harmed your health, you may have a claim. A qualified attorney can review your records to determine if negligence occurred.
What are common signs that cancer was misdiagnosed or diagnosed too late?
Symptoms being dismissed or attributed to minor conditions, repeated visits with no referral to a specialist, abnormal test results not followed up on, or late-stage diagnosis despite earlier symptoms can all be red flags.
Can I sue if a loved one died due to a delayed cancer diagnosis?
Yes. You may be able to file a wrongful death claim if medical negligence contributed to your loved one’s death. Compensation can help cover medical bills, funeral costs, and loss of companionship.
How much time do I have to file a cancer misdiagnosis lawsuit in Massachusetts?
Generally, you have three years from when you knew, or when you should have known, that the misdiagnosis occurred. However, no claim can be filed more than seven years after the alleged negligence in most cases.
What types of cancer are most commonly misdiagnosed?
Commonly misdiagnosed cancers include breast, colon, lung, kidney, cervical, and skin cancer. These conditions may be mistaken for less serious illnesses if proper diagnostic steps aren’t taken.
What compensation is available in a failure to diagnose case?
You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, reduced earning ability, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and, in fatal cases, wrongful death damages.
Do I need a medical expert to prove a failure to diagnose claim?
Yes. Massachusetts law requires a medical expert to review the case and confirm that a deviation from the standard of care occurred and caused harm. We work with leading medical professionals to support your case.
Will my case go to trial?
Not necessarily. Many failure to diagnose cancer claims are resolved through settlement. However, we prepare every case for trial to ensure you’re in the strongest position possible if negotiations fail.
Meet Our Springfield MA Cancer Misdiagnosis Attorney
Al Goodman
Al Goodman is a seasoned trial attorney with over three decades of experience representing individuals and families harmed by medical negligence, misdiagnosis, and serious personal injury. As the founder of Better Call Al, he has built a reputation across Springfield and Western Massachusetts for his relentless pursuit of justice, deep legal knowledge, and client-first approach.
Al has helped clients recover millions in compensation by holding healthcare providers accountable when they fall short of their duty to deliver proper care. Known for his sharp litigation skills and strategic case-building, he works closely with medical experts and investigators to uncover the truth behind diagnostic errors.
Additional Information
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