More than half of all cancer patients receive chemotherapy. Patients who are receiving chemotherapy face risks for developing infection and other injuries such as leakage of the drug into surrounding tissue, use of the wrong chemotherapy drug, and administration of chemotherapy based on an erroneous diagnosis of cancer, which may be serious enough to result in hospitalization or even death.
Injuries related to chemotherapy may give rise to medical malpractice or negligence claims, which can result in high settlements and awards. Patients bring malpractice actions against physicians, but other parties, such as hospitals, nurses, and pharmacists, face potential litigation risks.
Attorneys, physicians, hospitals, insurers, employers, and others at risk for liability should be aware of the types of litigation issues that may arise in connection with a chemotherapy injury.