Advances in medical research and the development of new medications and treatments have enabled tremendous progress in fighting disease and injury. However, when an individual is faced with a condition that necessitates laboratory procedures and tests, he or she cannot always be sure that such procedures are handled correctly. Laboratory negligence is an unfortunately common occurrence in the United States as elsewhere. It has been estimated that several million laboratory mistakes occur each year in the U.S., thousands of which result in serious injury or death.
To consult with a lawyer about laboratory negligence that has harmed you or a loved one, please contact us today.
A Complex Path for Laboratory Results
Pathology laboratories — where tissue and blood samples are examined, and radiology laboratories — where medical images such as those from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) are processed are an intermediate step in the complex medical testing process. A patient is first examined by a physician or health technician, and his or her biopsy, blood, or imaging information is then sent to a laboratory. The lab results are relayed back to the doctor or healthcare provider. Many laboratories handle thousands of specimens and/or images every year. At every step of the way, mistakes can be made; for instance:
· Specimens or samples are taken incorrectly
· Images are taken incorrectly
· Samples or images are mishandled or lost
· Identification errors are made
· A patient’s test materials or paperwork is mixed up with those of another patient
· Results are misinterpreted
Misdiagnosis, Non-Diagnosis, and Late Diagnosis
Early detection is one of the most critical tools available for fighting diseases such as cancer. A laboratory's failure to diagnose a disease at an early stage gives the disease the opportunity to progress to a more advanced stage. The results of mammograms, Pap smears, tumor samples, biopsies, CAT scans, etc. must be examined, handled, and interpreted correctly in order to truly help patients.
In addition, laboratory negligence involving communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, flu, and foodborne illnesses can lead to serious or even fatal consequences.
Quality assurance is usually at the forefront of a laboratory's mission statement, but human beings will never be mistake-free. Computerized systems are not without flaws either.
If you suspect or you are sure that laboratory negligence has caused you or a loved one harm, contact Perey Law Group, PLLC to discuss your case. We will be happy to evaluate your circumstances and explore your legal options with you.
Please fill out the form below to contact one of our experienced attorneys.
Perey Law Group, PLLC
1606 8th Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98109
Phone: (206) 443-7600
Fax: (206) 443-4785