Misdiagnosis of an Illness or Injury

Wrong Diagnosis, Delayed Diagnosis & Failure to Diagnose

Misinterpreting an x-ray, failing to fully research symptoms and failing to conduct a thorough medical exam are all ways that a misdiagnosis may occur. A doctor or other medical professional has a duty to his or her patient to thoroughly investigate symptoms in order to make an accurate diagnosis of the illness or injury which the patient may be suffering from. When a doctor fails to exercise reasonable care in diagnosing a patient, this may be considered a form of medical malpractice. Misdiagnosis may also be related to medication errors, when an incorrect diagnosis leads to the wrong medication being prescribed and administered. It may also lead to the wrong surgical procedure being performed and to a patient receiving the wrong treatment – leaving the true medical condition untreated.

A victim of misdiagnosis may work with a lawyer to file a medical malpractice claim and seek compensation for losses suffered. Because every case is different and the laws of each state may vary, it is important to seek counsel from a local attorney who is skilled in handling medical misdiagnosis claims. You can use our directory to find and compare medical malpractice lawyers and can also find out more about these important matters here in our information center.

Cancer Misdiagnosis
One of the most important aspects of cancer treatment is the early diagnosis of the condition. If a doctor is negligent in evaluating a patient's symptoms, fails to order necessary tests or incorrectly identifies cancer as a different medical condition, this may mean that the patient will lose valuable time that is needed to fight the spread of the disease. Chances of survival decrease as time goes on. In these cases, the responsible doctor may be held accountable. An attorney can explain your legal options and rights in these cases.

Delayed Diagnosis
The timely diagnosis of virtually any type of injury or illness is essential if it is to be properly treated. This is particularly true with rapidly spreading diseases or life-threatening injuries. If a doctor was negligent and therefore caused unnecessary delays in diagnosing a medical condition, this may provide the injured patient with grounds for a medical malpractice claim or lawsuit.

Failure to Diagnose
A failure to diagnose may occur if a doctor incorrectly identifies a medical condition or is simply unable to diagnose an injury or illness. If a doctor is unable to immediately recognize what type of condition a patient is suffering from, he or she may have an obligation to order additional tests or to refer the patient to a specialist who can properly identify the problem.

Heart Attack / Stroke Misdiagnosis
A heart attack or stroke may progress rapidly, endangering the life of a patient or placing a patient at risk of suffering from permanent brain damage or paralysis. If you went to the emergency room or sought medical treatment for a heart attack or stroke that was improperly diagnosed, you may be able to take legal action against the at-fault ER doctor or other medical professional.

Now is the time to review your legal options and rights with an attorney. If you or someone you love has suffered harm as the result of a doctor's misdiagnosis of an illness or injury, you may be able to seek justice and recover financial damages that will cover medical care, lost earnings, emotional trauma and possibly much more.

For help with a misdiagnosis claim, find a medical malpractice lawyernear you.