When you go to the doctor for medical treatment, you expect that the treatment you receive will meet a certain standard. You trust your care provider, and that includes trusting that he or she will give you the right diagnosis for whatever medical problem you are facing. Missing a diagnosis completely, waiting too long to diagnose a problem or inaccurately diagnosing an issue can lead to serious consequences.
If you are suffering because this happened to you, you could be a victim of medical malpractice. You may feel overwhelmed by your current medical problems and the results of the care you received, but you do not have to face it alone. It is possible you have grounds to pursue legal recourse against the responsible doctor, surgeon or medical care provider.
The consequences of a missed diagnosis
Missing a diagnosis can have grave implications. For example, missing a cancer diagnosis can lead to a progression of the disease that will ultimately impact the efficacy of available treatment. Doctors should listen carefully to a patient about his or her concerns, asking questions and taking the time to give a complete diagnosis. It is also crucial to run the right tests and carefully review the results of these tests.
It is not always easy to prove that a doctor did not provide quality care or missed a diagnosis he or she should have handled differently. Delaying treatment for any reason can make the difference between life and death, and it may be possible to trace a progression of the illness and worsening of a patient’s physical condition to when he or she saw a doctor for testing and diagnosis.
What can you do?
If you think you are a victim of medical practice, you do not have to face the consequences of this on your own. It is in your interests to seek legal counsel as soon as possible regarding the options available to you. These situations are time-sensitive, and taking quick action can make a difference in your case.
It is possible to hold doctors and care providers accountable for negligent care of patients, including missing an important medical diagnosis. You may not be sure of what happened, but an assessment of your case can help you understand your situation and provide clarity regarding the most appropriate way forward.