Medical misdiagnosis is when a medical professional fails to properly identify and diagnose a patient's medical condition. In such cases, a doctor can be held liable for any damages that result from a misdiagnosis if it was a result of negligence. Medical misdiagnosis can involve a number of circumstances. In some cases, it involves a completely wrong diagnosis. A patient may have another condition that may or may not be related to the wrong diagnosis, or the patient may not be suffering from a medical condition at all. This type of medical misdiagnosis can be more likely in cases involving infant, behavioral / emotional, digestive, and rare conditions or those that characterized by vague symptoms.
Medical negligence is defined as a medical professional's failure to exact the degree of care, skill, and prudence that a reasonable medical professional would in a similar situation. Medical misdiagnosis can also be the product of a health care professional's failure to diagnose a patient with a condition. Put an end to medical misdiagnosis by filing claims and suits against the medical practitioners at fault.
Nearly half of all medical patients have felt that they have experienced a medical error or misdiagnosis, according to the National Patient Safety Foundation. That's a staggering amount of people. Among the diseases most frequently misdiagnosed are:
- Breast Cancer
- Tuberculosis
- Lung Cancer
- Diabetes
- Prostate Cancer
- Cervical Cancer
- Ovarian Cancer
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- Testicular Cancer
- Acute Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)
- Strokes
- Pulmonary Embolism
- Bacterial Meningitis
- Appendicitis
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One of the best ways you can protect yourself from becoming a victim of medical misdiagnosis is to seek a second opinion from another qualified medical professional. In addition, it is a good idea to repeat lab and other medical tests. Most importantly, ask questions and research the condition and the symptoms of the condition that was diagnosed.
Medical misdiagnosis lawsuits must be commenced within two years from the date of the act giving rise to injury, or within two years from the date the injury was or should have been detected, but no malpractice action may be commenced more than four years following the act giving rise to the injury. If you or a loved one has suffered injury as a result of a medical misdiagnosis, contact us so we can advise you of your legal rights and options. |
