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Kidney Dispute Hits Mich. High Court

LANSING (WWJ/AP) - Does the loss of a kidney deserve compensation?

The Michigan Supreme Court is hearing arguments Wednesday in a case involving a Plymouth woman who is suing her doctor over a five-year delay in learning that she had a cancerous kidney.

A test showed evidence of a cancerous lesion on one of Marie Huddleston's kidney in 2003, but it was not reported to her. Another test in 2008 showed the lesion had grown, forcing the removal of one of Huddleston's kidneys, leaving her with a good one.

Dr. Joyce Leon claims she can't be sued because Huddleston still has a good kidney and hasn't suffered an injury that can be compensated.

The state appeals court last year said Huddleston's malpractice lawsuit can proceed, saying medical professionals shouldn't get a pass on possible malpractice just because a patient has another good organ.

The Supreme Court will decide whether to take the case or take some other action on the doctor's appeal.

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