Maine Pathology Error Lawyers

A single mistake by a pathologist can alter the course of your life. Whether it’s a missed cancer diagnosis or a lab error that leads to the wrong treatment, pathology errors can have debilitating consequences for patients and their families.

If you or a loved one suffered harm because a pathologist misdiagnosed your biopsy or lab specimen, you deserve answers and accountability. At Berman & Simmons, we represent people across Maine who have been hurt by medical negligence. We are widely recognized as the state’s leading personal injury and medical malpractice firm, known for taking on the most complex, high-stakes cases and winning.

We offer free consultations with a Maine pathology error attorney to discuss your case. Call (207) 417-4199 or reach us online. Virtual appointments are available.

How Pathology Errors Harm Patients & Families

Pathologists play a critical, behind-the-scenes role in modern medicine. They analyze lab results, biopsy samples, and surgical specimens to identify diseases and guide your treatment plan. When they get it wrong, the results can be catastrophic.

Patients affected by pathology errors may experience:

• Delayed diagnosis of cancer or a serious illness
• Unnecessary or inappropriate treatment, including harmful surgeries or chemotherapy
• Missed opportunity for early intervention, reducing the chance of recovery
• Permanent injury, worsening prognosis, or wrongful death

The emotional and financial toll can be overwhelming for families, especially when the truth only comes to light after significant harm has already been done.

Common Types of Pathology Errors

Pathology errors can occur at any stage of the diagnostic process, from sample preparation to microscopic analysis to reporting results. 

Common mistakes include the following:

• Misdiagnosis of cancer or disease - Failure to detect cancer or disease in a biopsy or other tissue specimen
• Falsely diagnosing something that is actually benign - mistaking something that is actually harmless (benign) for something that is malignant or life-threatening. 
• Specimen mix-ups - labeling or handling errors that result in a patient receiving someone else’s diagnosis or treatment
• Improper preparation - Failing to perform the correct sample preparations that are necessary to check for life-threatening conditions, or using outdated or insufficient tools or testing chemicals 
• Communication errors - The pathologist fails to communicate findings to the treating physician or patient about critical results or the need for further follow-up
• Contamination or degradation of samples - Poor handling or storage leading to compromised specimens and inaccurate results
• Inadequate review or oversight - Rushing through test reviews or failure to seek a second opinion when needed

You have the right to pursue legal action when any of these pathology errors are caused by negligence.

Who May Be Responsible?

Several parties may share legal responsibility for a pathology error:

• The pathologist who misinterpreted or failed to report the results
• Laboratory technicians or staff responsible for sample handling
• The hospital or diagnostic lab that failed to maintain proper safety protocols
• Referring physicians who ignored or failed to act on abnormal results

At Berman & Simmons, we conduct in-depth investigations and consult top national experts to determine precisely where the failure occurred and who is liable. 

What Compensation May Be Available in a Pathology Negligence Claim?

A successful claim may provide compensation for:

• Medical expenses (including corrective treatment or surgeries)
• Lost income and loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Wrongful death damages if a loved one died due to a delayed or missed diagnosis

We work closely with medical and financial experts to assess the full impact of your injuries and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

Why Pathology Malpractice Cases Are Complex

Pathology errors are often difficult to uncover without a skilled legal and medical team. These cases involve:

• Highly technical subject matter, requiring expert testimony
• Extensive medical records and laboratory documentation
• Complex causation issues, especially when disease progression is involved
• Hospitals and labs with powerful legal defense teams