$750,000 Failure to Diagnose Cancer, Radiology
Sara Hunt of South Orange was awarded $750,000 from her radiologist on a suit settlement of having failed to diagnose ovarian cancer, which led to the woman’s death. Hunt sought treatment from Dr. Michael Och for an enlarged abdomen. He diagnosed her with benign uterine fibroids after reading a January 2002 ultrasound test and again in June and December.
According to the suit, the ultrasound indicated an enlarged ovary, the June test indicated uterine cancer, and the December test showed that the tumor had doubled in size. Her primary doctor referred her to a gynecologic oncologist who diagnosed Hunt with ovarian cancer in January 2003. She underwent surgery and chemotherapy but died that July at age 43.
Expert testimony stated that the delay in diagnosis reduced Hunt’s chance of a cure from 40 percent to 20 percent. The defense did not argue the negligence, but stated that it made no difference in the outcome. Princeton Insurance paid the settlement of $750,000 to the Estate of Hunt.
(This information was obtained from the New Jersey Law Journal)
