ASK4SAM expands Queens focus on delayed diagnosis claims
Silberstein & Miklos says it will focus more on Queens claims alleging delayed cancer and stroke diagnoses and related medical negligence.
By Tom Brennan · Health & Medicine Correspondent
2 min read
Silberstein & Miklos, P.C., known as ASK4SAM, has announced a greater focus on Queens delayed diagnosis claims involving cancer and stroke. The law firm says the work will center on patients and families alleging that diagnostic lapses delayed treatment for serious conditions.
The Aug. 31 announcement places the Queens effort within the firm's medical-malpractice practice, which also covers delayed-diagnosis, misdiagnosis and other medical-negligence allegations across the wider New York City area. It did not detail any staffing changes, new offices, case numbers or individual matters tied to the expanded focus.
What can lead to a delayed cancer or stroke diagnosis claim?
According to Silberstein & Miklos, potential allegations can include symptoms that were missed, test results that were overlooked, diagnostic tests that were not ordered, or delays in medical intervention. For cancer cases, the firm also identified possible failures to recognize warning signs, read diagnostic imaging, follow up abnormal lab findings or refer a patient to a specialist.
Stroke cases can raise questions about an initial patient evaluation, neurological assessment, imaging, laboratory work and specialist consultation, the firm said. Its announcement described timely intervention as important in efforts to limit neurological injury, while noting that the circumstances of any allegation require case-specific review.
The possible consequences described by the firm are serious. It said a cancer diagnosis delayed until the disease has progressed may mean more intensive treatment, additional procedures, fewer treatment options and higher medical costs. For stroke patients, it cited possible brain injury, paralysis, speech problems, cognitive difficulties and loss of mobility.
How are these medical-malpractice claims examined?
A medical-malpractice claim alleges that a healthcare provider departed from the applicable standard of care and that the departure caused harm. Silberstein & Miklos said an investigation can require a review of charts, physician notes, emergency-department records, imaging, lab reports, medication records and hospital communications, followed by assessment from medical experts.
That review can be especially complex where several providers participated in a patient's care. The firm said communication between primary-care clinicians, specialists, radiologists and pathologists may be relevant when an abnormal result was not reviewed, conveyed or acted on.
The Queens delayed cancer and stroke diagnosis practice is aimed at claims concerning alleged failures in diagnosis and treatment, rather than an assessment of any particular provider or patient case. Silberstein & Miklos says it represents patients and families throughout Queens and the broader city area in these matters.