$1.3 Million Settlement Reached in Prostate Cancer Delayed Diagnosis Case

The Porter Law Group recently secured a $1.3 million settlement in a medical malpractice case involving the delayed diagnosis of prostate cancer, which resulted in significant physical, emotional, and financial damages for the client. The case centered around a primary care physician's failure to properly monitor and respond to concerning PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test results over several years.

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The case arose from a series of medical oversights between 2013 and 2019. During this period, the client's PSA levels showed a steadily increasing trend, rising from 2.2 ng/mL in 2013 to 9.7 ng/mL in 2019. Despite these concerning values, the treating physician failed to take appropriate action, including missing a crucial PSA test in 2016 and failing to refer the client to a urologist when PSA levels reached 4.4 ng/mL in 2017 and 6.0 ng/mL in 2018.

The legal team assembled a strong group of board-certified primary care, urology, and oncology experts who testified that the physician's actions constituted clear deviations from the standard of care. These experts maintained that with proper medical attention, the cancer could have been diagnosed as early as 2016, or at the latest, shortly after the October 2017 PSA result.

By the time the client was finally referred to a urologist in May 2019, his cancer had progressed to Stage IIIB/IVA prostate cancer. This late diagnosis eliminated the possibility of curative surgery through total prostatectomy, forcing the client to undergo Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) and radiation treatment, which caused severe side effects and significantly impacted his quality of life.

The impact on the client's life has been devastating. The ADT treatments effectively caused "chemical castration," resulting in complete loss of libido, inability to achieve erection, severe hot flashes, profound loss of muscle tone, cognitive impairment, and emotional distress. The client was forced into early retirement from his 39-year career as an assembler at a major automotive manufacturer, resulting in substantial economic losses.

The settlement takes into account multiple damages, including past lost wages of $207,483, future lost wages and benefits of up to $1,090,982, and loss of household services valued at $141,715. The settlement also considers the profound impact on the client's marriage, as the medical complications have severely affected his relationship with his wife, including their inability to maintain physical intimacy.

Medical experts testified that with timely diagnosis, the client would have had a 95% or greater chance of being cured through surgery alone, avoiding the need for ADT and radiation therapy. Instead, the client now faces an uncertain future with a significantly decreased life expectancy and the likelihood of cancer recurrence.

This case highlights the critical importance of proper PSA monitoring and timely referrals to specialists when dealing with potential prostate cancer cases. According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in American men, with about 1 in 8 men being diagnosed during their lifetime. Early detection and treatment are crucial for optimal outcomes.

If you or a loved one has experienced delays in medical diagnosis or treatment, it's crucial to seek legal representation promptly. The Porter Law Group has extensive experience in medical malpractice cases and can help evaluate your situation. Contact our office today for a confidential consultation to discuss your legal options and rights.