Home Medical Malpractice Cancer Misdiagnosis

Denver Cancer Misdiagnosis Attorneys

Are You in Need of a Denver Cancer Misdiagnosis Attorney?

Cancer is a life-altering diagnosis that demands immediate medical attention. When doctors fail to identify cancer promptly or misdiagnose it altogether, the consequences can be devastating. Delays in diagnosis can mean the difference between a manageable illness and a terminal one.

At Leventhal Puga Braley P.C., we understand the physical and emotional toll a misdiagnosis can cause. If you or a loved one has suffered serious or catastrophic harm due to a cancer misdiagnosis, you may be entitled to pursue justice through a medical malpractice claim.

Why Choose Us Over Other Cancer Misdiagnosis Lawyers in Denver?

Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. is recognized as one of the premier medical malpractice firms in the country. Here is what sets us apart:

Founding attorney Jim Leventhal is a member of the exclusive Inner Circle of Advocates
Partner Jim Puga secured one of the largest medical malpractice verdicts in Colorado history
Attorneys recognized by Best Lawyers based on peer recognition
Attorneys licensed in multiple states, allowing us to handle cases nationwide
AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell for the highest ethical standards and legal ability
Attorneys listed by Super Lawyers based on peer reviews and independent research
Hundreds of successful verdicts and settlements in complex medical malpractice cases

When Doctors Fail, We Step In

Contact Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. to learn more from our Denver medical malpractice attorneys today. You can reach us by calling (303) 759-9945 or toll-free at (877) 433-3906.

Do You Have a Legitimate Cancer Misdiagnosis Case?

To prove medical malpractice in a misdiagnosis case, it must be demonstrated that the healthcare provider failed to follow the accepted medical standard of care. That means their actions were not consistent with what a reasonably competent professional would have done in similar circumstances.

The evidence in a malpractice claim must establish that a misdiagnosis directly caused or worsened the patient’s injury or condition. The claim also needs to document the resulting damages, which can include additional medical treatment, physical harm, emotional distress, or death.

If your provider ignored symptoms, delayed action, or made a critical error that allowed cancer to progress, you may have grounds to file a claim.

What Is a Misdiagnosis?

When you go to see your doctor, you expect them to give you a proper diagnosis and then help you get better. Sadly, this doesn’t always happen. Sometimes, doctors fail to run proper tests, dismiss you outright, or believe that their gut instinct is more trustworthy than proven medical science. When that happens, you may suffer a misdiagnosis, of which there are many types.

A misdiagnosis is when your doctor concludes that something is wrong with you - but that is not what is actually wrong with you. For example, a doctor incorrectly diagnoses a patient’s chest pain as indigestion, but it was a heart attack.

A failure to diagnose (also called a missed diagnosis) is when your doctor completely misses or dismisses your symptoms and tells you that you’re fine, but you’re not.

And a delayed diagnosis is when a detectible illness is only caught after significant time has passed, although it could have been diagnosed from the very beginning with proper care. A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association placed the incidence rate of failed, delayed, and misdiagnoses between 10% and 20% in the United States.

A false diagnosis is when your doctor falsely diagnoses you with a form of cancer you don’t have. This could mean you still have cancer, but the diagnosis was for the wrong kind, or it could mean that you don’t have cancer at all.

How Doctors Misdiagnose Cancer

While a good doctor should always be sure to ask pertinent questions, listen to their patients, and run the proper tests, not all do so. This heightens the chance of a misdiagnosis. Doctors usually miss cancer by:

Not ordering further diagnostic tests
Delaying follow-up after an abnormal result
Not referring the patient to a specialist
Making a mistake in reading the patient’s test
Making a technical error in conducting the test
Assuming another possible diagnosis without confirming

What's the Legal Process for a Cancer Misdiagnosis Case?

Cancer misdiagnosis claims are complex and require a structured legal approach. Here is a general outline of the process:

Initial Consultation – We review your medical records, treatment history, and case details.
Investigation – Our team obtains expert medical reviews to assess whether a breach of the standard of care occurred.
Filing the Complaint – If the case meets the legal requirements, we file a lawsuit on your behalf.
Discovery – Both sides exchange evidence, take depositions, and consult experts.
Settlement Negotiations – We may pursue a settlement, but we prepare every case for trial.
Trial or Resolution – If the case does not settle, we present it to a jury to seek full and fair compensation.

The Statute of Limitations in Colorado

In Colorado, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice is generally two years from the date the injury was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered.

There are exceptions for:

Minors (the time period may extend)
Fraud or concealment by the medical provider
Cases where a foreign object was left in the body

What Types of Damages Are Available?

Victims of cancer misdiagnosis may be entitled to several categories of compensation, including:

Medical Expenses – Costs for additional surgeries, chemotherapy, hospitalizations, and ongoing care
Lost Wages – Time missed from work, reduced earning potential, or job loss
Pain and Suffering – Physical pain, emotional trauma, and diminished quality of life
Loss of Consortium – Impact on relationships with spouses or family members
Wrongful Death – For families who have lost a loved one due to a fatal delay in diagnosis

Our Denver cancer misdiagnosis attorneys fight to secure the maximum possible recovery to help you move forward.

Who Can Be Liable?

Cancer misdiagnosis is often the result of systemic failures across multiple providers. Potentially liable parties include:

Primary care physicians who overlook symptoms or delay referrals
Oncologists who misinterpret diagnostic tests
Radiologists who fail to identify tumors on imaging scans
Pathologists who provide inaccurate lab results
Hospitals or clinics with flawed internal protocols or poor communication

Identifying the responsible party is a critical part of our investigation. In some cases, multiple providers may share liability.

The Dangers of a Cancer Misdiagnosis

Early diagnosis significantly increases the chances of survival. A missed diagnosis often deprives patients of that opportunity.

A delayed or incorrect cancer diagnosis can lead to:

Advanced-stage disease that is less treatable or incurable
Increased need for aggressive and painful treatments
Reduced survival rates
Unnecessary surgeries or therapies
Emotional distress for patients and families

Types of Cancer That Are Often Undiagnosed

Some cancers are more frequently misdiagnosed.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer may be misdiagnosed as a benign cyst or inflammation. Missed mammogram interpretations or delays in ordering biopsies can allow the disease to spread to lymph nodes or other organs.

Colorectal Cancer

Symptoms like abdominal pain or blood in the stool are sometimes attributed to hemorrhoids or irritable bowel syndrome. When doctors fail to order a colonoscopy, critical time is lost.

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer may be mistaken for respiratory infections or chronic bronchitis. A failure to follow up on abnormal chest X-rays can allow tumors to grow undetected.

Prostate Cancer

Because it often develops slowly, prostate cancer may be missed or dismissed in early stages. Missed PSA screenings or abnormal digital rectal exams are common issues.

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is largely preventable with early detection. Errors in Pap smear testing or failure to investigate irregular results can lead to tragic outcomes.

Ovarian Cancer

Often called the "silent killer," ovarian cancer may be misdiagnosed as gastrointestinal distress. A lack of imaging or blood testing can delay life-saving treatment.

Lymphoma (Lymphatic Cancer)

Lymphoma symptoms can mimic infections or autoimmune diseases. Delays in recognizing lymph node swelling or ordering appropriate blood work can cost valuable time.

At Leventhal Puga Braley P.C., we offer no-charge initial consultations to help you understand your rights. There is no obligation, and no fee unless we win your case.

Why You Should Contact an Experienced Denver Medical Malpractice Lawyer Right Away

If you suspect that a medical provider failed to diagnose your cancer, taking prompt legal action is essential. Here is why:

Statutes of limitations may be running out
Medical records can be altered, lost, or destroyed
Early investigation can preserve key evidence
Experts need time to thoroughly review the case
The sooner you act, the sooner you may receive compensation to help with medical care and recovery

Suspect a Cancer Misdiagnosis?

Get reliable answers and experienced legal help. Reach out to Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. at (303) 759-9945 or toll-free at (877) 433-3906.

What Clients Are Saying About Us

They really care about their clients- Nicole James (5-Star Google Review)

They really care about their clients and will take the extra time to make sure they do their absolute best on every case.

Jim Leventhal and his team are wonderful - Jonathan Heller (5-Star Google Review)

Jim Leventhal and his team are wonderful and thorough with all that they do. They leave no stone unturned while taking the time to be considerate, compassionate, and thoughtful. They wield the sword within their field with excellence and with a demeanor that you not only appreciate but that you can rely on. Special thanks again to Jim, Julia, and the entire team.

Other Locations We Serve

Speak With an Experienced Denver Cancer Misdiagnosis Attorney Today

If you believe that a medical provider missed an important cancer diagnosis, please call our office at (303) 759-9945 or toll-free at (877) 433-3906.

There is no charge for your initial consultation and you won’t owe us anything unless we win your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a cancer misdiagnosis?

A cancer misdiagnosis occurs when a healthcare provider fails to detect cancer, incorrectly diagnoses a different illness, or delays identifying the disease. This can prevent patients from receiving timely and appropriate treatment, sometimes with fatal consequences.

Can I sue a doctor for misdiagnosing cancer?

If the misdiagnosis resulted from a breach of the accepted medical standard of care and caused harm, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim. Our firm can review your medical records and consult with experts to determine if you have a viable case.

What types of cancer are commonly misdiagnosed?

Cancers that are frequently missed or misdiagnosed include breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, and lymphoma. These are often mistaken for less serious conditions, leading to delayed or improper treatment.

How do I know if I have a case for cancer misdiagnosis?

To have a claim, you must show that the misdiagnosis caused a delay in treatment, worsened your condition, or led to unnecessary procedures. Our attorneys will examine whether medical professionals followed the standard of care and how the delay impacted your health.

What damages can I recover in a cancer misdiagnosis lawsuit?

You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, reduced quality of life, and, in fatal cases, wrongful death damages. We work with medical and financial experts to fully evaluate the impact of the misdiagnosis.

How long do I have to file a cancer misdiagnosis lawsuit in Colorado?

In most cases, the statute of limitations is two years from when the injury was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered. However, Colorado also has a three-year statute of repose, which may bar claims filed after that time, even if the injury was recently discovered. Prompt legal advice is critical.

Who can be held responsible for a cancer misdiagnosis?

Liable parties may include primary care doctors, oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and even hospitals or clinics. Any provider who played a role in the diagnostic error may be held accountable.

What does it cost to hire Leventhal Puga Braley P.C.?

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no legal fees unless we win your case. We also offer no-charge initial consultations, so you can speak with our attorneys and get answers at no cost.

Meet Our Denver Cancer Misdiagnosis Attorneys

Jim Leventhal

Jim Leventhal is one of the most respected medical malpractice attorneys in the United States. As the founding partner of Leventhal Puga Braley P.C., he has built a nationally recognized practice dedicated to representing individuals and families harmed by medical negligence and catastrophic injury.

With over four decades of trial experience, Mr. Leventhal has handled hundreds of complex cases across the country and secured some of the largest verdicts in Colorado history. His work has not only helped clients obtain justice, but has also led to changes in hospital protocols and medical procedures to prevent future harm.

Jim Puga

Jim Puga is a nationally recognized trial attorney and a named partner at Leventhal Puga Braley P.C., where he devotes his practice to representing individuals and families harmed by serious medical negligence. Known for his thorough case preparation and tenacity in the courtroom, Mr. Puga has earned a reputation as one of Colorado’s most accomplished medical malpractice lawyers.

Throughout his career, Mr. Puga has obtained numerous multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements on behalf of clients, including one of the largest medical malpractice jury verdicts in Colorado history, over $17.8 million for a child who suffered brain damage due to delayed treatment. He has tried and resolved complex cases involving birth injuries, surgical errors, delayed diagnosis, and hospital negligence, often in cases involving catastrophic harm.

Bruce Braley

Bruce Braley brings a unique combination of courtroom skill, legislative insight, and client advocacy to his role as a partner at Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. A seasoned trial lawyer and former four-term United States Congressman from Iowa, Mr. Braley has earned national recognition for his work representing individuals and families in complex civil litigation, with a particular focus on medical malpractice and catastrophic injury.

Before joining the firm, Mr. Braley spent over 20 years as a civil trial attorney in Iowa, where he was widely regarded as one of the state’s top plaintiffs’ lawyers. During his time in Congress, he served on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Judiciary Committee, where he helped shape national policy on healthcare, consumer protection, and civil justice reform.