Skin Cancer Medical Malpractice Lawsuit Settled for $5.7 Million

Christina Cole

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A bedridden man who filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against his doctor claiming he failed to diagnose his skin cancer was awarded $5.7million in damages by a Suerpior Court jury.

The verdict is the largest medical malpractice award in California so far this year. But, the award will be cut down to $1.9 million under a state statute that limits damages in malpractice lawsuits.

The man claims his Dermatologist failed to biopsy a cyst that later mastasized to cancer. His family has a history of suffering from skin cancer.

The award included $3 million in general damages for his wife to compensate for the negative impact on the couple's marriage. He won another $1.6 million for his own mental pain and suffering and $1.1 million for lost income.

He has undergone several surgeries to remove the cancer and is now confined to his home where he receives 24-hour care.