Patient Sues Leumit Health Fund for Alleged Negligence in Late Cancer Diagnosis

A 50-year-old man named Yaron (a pseudonym) has filed a medical negligence lawsuit against Leumit Health Fund, claiming prolonged neglect led to a delayed diagnosis of two advanced malignant diseases, multiple myeloma and sarcoma, which are now incurable. According to the lawsuit, Yaron repeatedly complained over more than a year about a painful growing lump in his right buttock and pelvic pain, but doctors ignored his symptoms and failed to conduct adequate examinations or imaging tests that could have detected the cancers earlier.

The complaint details that in January 2022, Yaron reported pain and a lump to his family doctor, who only ordered an X-ray and did not perform sufficient physical exams or further investigations. Despite worsening symptoms, including respiratory issues and a persistent cough, recommended CT scans and other diagnostic procedures were not carried out promptly. Only in December 2022, after Yaron was diagnosed with severe anemia, was he referred to a hematologist and underwent CT scans revealing multiple myeloma and suspicious lesions. A biopsy later confirmed an aggressive sarcoma, which by then had grown to about 13 cm, involved lymph nodes, and metastasized.

Due to the advanced stage at diagnosis, Yaron underwent extensive surgery including removal of large tissue sections, parts of his digestive system, and permanent stoma installation. Despite treatment, the cancer recurred and spread further. The delay also compromised his ability to receive optimal therapy for multiple myeloma, including bone marrow transplantation, significantly reducing his survival chances. Expert medical opinions attached to the lawsuit state that timely diagnosis could have improved Yaron’s prognosis and survival.

Currently, Yaron suffers from severe pain, functional limitations, and a 100% medical disability rating. The lawsuit demands approximately 8.5 million shekels in compensation for lost earnings, pain and suffering, medical expenses, and ongoing care. Yaron expressed hope that the case will prevent similar negligence in the future. Leumit Health Fund acknowledged receipt of the lawsuit and said it is reviewing the claims.

Attorney Gilad Ginzburg, representing Yaron, described the case as "severe and ongoing medical negligence that sealed the plaintiff’s fate," emphasizing the failure to conduct necessary diagnostic tests despite clear symptoms over more than a year.