By far, the leading cause of cancer death in the United States is lung cancer, accounting for about one-fifth of all cancer deaths. And while many people dismiss lung cancer as just a smokers’ disease, attorneys who represent victims know that often, lung cancer is caused by dangerous products that contain asbestos and other cancer-causing substances. Lung cancer litigation also includes holding medical professionals for malpractice in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.
Numerous expert witnesses are critical in most types of cancer litigation, including oncologists and similar specialists. However, in cases involving lung cancer, it’s also important to have a doctor who specializes in the lungs: a pulmonologist.
The role of a pulmonologist in lung cancer malpractice claims
Patients with lung cancer are often treated by multidisciplinary teams, and pulmonologists often lead or participate in those teams. They are responsible for and involved with the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer patients at every stage of the disease.
As such, a pulmonologist can help an attorney understand the entire process of lung cancer treatment and identify places where medical negligence may have played a role at each stage. Pulmonologists can review medical records and help to suggest interrogatories and deposition questions that may help an attorney get to the bottom of what happened and why.
Of course, if a lung cancer lawsuit involves alleged negligence by a pulmonologist, it’s important to have a pulmonologist expert who can offer an opinion on the applicable standard of care. But even if a different medical professional committed the alleged malpractice, a pulmonologist can still play a vital role by putting the other professional’s malpractice in the context of lung cancer treatment.
Pulmonologists can offer an opinion on treatment and prognosis
Pulmonologists are just as vital in non-malpractice lung cancer cases. In addition to examining the plaintiff and offering an opinion on their health and symptoms, pulmonologists can explain the patient’s treatment options and likely prognosis.
They can also help to describe the patient’s symptoms for a jury, which can dramatically influence damages awards. Individuals living with lung cancer may have significant non-economic damages because they are literally reminded of the disease with every breath they take. Effective testimony from a doctor who specializes in the lungs can help the jury understand just how profound those effects are and reach a verdict accordingly.
The right medical expert witness can make all the difference
In any lawsuit involving cancer, the stakes are high. Getting the right medical expert is extremely important. That doesn’t just mean a pulmonologist with Board Certification and other compelling credentials. It also means someone who is prepared to offer compelling testimony, hold up under cross-examination, and put your client in the best position to win.
For over 38 years, the team at Rieback Medical-Legal Consultants has been providing the best in medicine to assist the legal community. Our network includes highly credentialed pulmonologists and related specialists who are prepared to assist both plaintiff and defense attorneys. Give us a call or contact us online to discuss your case.