A failure to diagnose can result in serious consequences for victims and their families. It is important for victims of medical malpractice and their families to be familiar with the legal resources available to help them when they have been harmed by an erroneous or delayed diagnosis.
Whenever a medical care provider is assessing the symptoms of the patient to determine a diagnosis, it is important that appropriate tests are ordered, that test results are properly interpreted and that the patient’s medical history and requested and carefully reviewed. If the victim is improperly diagnosed, or the diagnosis is delayed because of the negligence of the medical care provider, it can result in the victim not receiving the appropriate medical care or treatment; receiving medical care or treatment they do not need; or not receiving medical care and treatment in a timely manner.
Any of these circumstances may be considered medical malpractice which is why victims and their families have important legal protections to be aware of when they have suffered medical negligence resulting in harm. In circumstances when a medical error, such as an erroneous diagnosis or delayed diagnosis, result in disease progression beyond what would have been expected if the medical condition had been correctly and timely diagnosed and treated, victims and their families may wish to pursue a claim for their physical, financial and emotional damages.
Medical malpractice legal resources can help victims and their families and hold a negligent medical care provider accountable. As a result, victims of medical malpractice, including a failed diagnosis, should be familiar with the legal protections available to help them.
