Pap smears are an essential part of women’s reproductive healthcare. Using cells collected from the cervix, these gynecological tests screen for abnormalities that could indicate cervical cancer and are often combined with a test to detect the cancer-causing human papillomavirus.
Doctors recommend that women between the ages of 21 and 65 have a pap smear, also known as a pap test, every three years.
With the possibility for a life-shattering cancer diagnosis on the line, it’s vital for medical professionals to
perform these tests—and interpret the results—correctly.
Unfortunately, pap smear errors are all too common and in some cases, they have deadly consequences. Early detection and treatment give patients the best chance for beating cervical cancer. When health care workers don’t provide timely pap screening, botch the test, misread the results, or fail to order appropriate follow-up testing or treatment, it puts patients at risk of serious harm.
For example, pap smear errors may cause doctors to:
- Give patients with potentially-fatal illnesses clean bills of health.
- Arrive at an incorrect diagnosis.
- Delay the correct diagnosis—giving cancer an opportunity to spread.
- Subject patients to unnecessary, inappropriate, or even harmful drugs, treatment, and procedures.
Injured Due to a Pap Smear Error? Our Experienced Georgia Attorneys Can Help
If you or someone you love suffered physical, financial, or psychological harm—or lost their life—as a result of a pap smear error, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit. The accomplished personal injury attorneys with Van Sant Law can review the details of your case and investigate your right to recovery. You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Would you like to know more about your legal rights and options in a Georgia medical malpractice claim? today to schedule an appointment for a free, initial case consultation.
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