What are the legal ramifications of medical negligence that resulted in death by cancer?My mother was diagnosed in 2007 with cancer, underwent surgery, and was told they got it all. They did not say anything about regular checkups to make sure, ordered no chemo, etc. Of course they did not get it all and a year later, it had spread. She died in 2009. What legal actions can I take against the negligent doctor?

A: I'm sorry to hear about your mother dying. My father died from the ravages of lung cancer when I was a teen. So I can empathize with your anger. But, you have to ask yourself if a doctor really needs to tell a patient with a diagnosis of cancer that they need regular checkups? What do you think? I also have to wonder about a second opinion. If I had cancer I would not need a doctor to suggest to me that I could get a second opinion. I would just know. These are the issues that a jury would struggle with and that any suit based on negligence would need to overcome. I would think such a suit would be difficult, expensive and risky. I would not take on such a case and suspect that my analysis would be the same for most trial lawyers with experience. While I empathize with your feelings this may be the time to move on from your anger with the medical community. Your mother died, but frankly I can't blame it on the doctors; at least not from what you've stated. Best of luck in the future.

For good advice see a lawyer and if you have questions about this blog, the law or your case write or call me directly. Steve Lombardi, sdlombardi@aol.com and 515-222-1110. I handle all types of personal injury cases including car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, workers' compensation cases. We help truckers all across the country who come through Iowa and end up in an accident. If we need other lawyers from other states we hire them and it costs you no more than what you would pay us; in other words, we split the fee between us. So call 515-222-1110 or email us at sdlombardi@aol.com.
Steve Lombardi, Attorney