Medicolegal Aspects of Breast Cancer in U.S. Federal Medical Facilities: Analysis of 80 Claims

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Abstract
Eighty malpractice claims were taken against the U.S. government alleging negligence and delay in the diagnosis of breast cancer in federal medical facilities during the period from 1980 to 1989. Medical records and claim documents were reviewed together with the opinions of expert witnesses, journal articles, and opinions of the Department of Legal Medicine of the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology. The radiology and pathology reports were reviewed. Of the 80 claims, 68 were closed; compensation amounts ranged from $6,000 to $1 million. There was no correlation between the length of delay in diagnosis and the amount of compensation paid. The reasons for delayed diagnosis are considered in detail, and recommendations are made in an attempt to minimize the number of such claims in the future.

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