When a medical professional fails to diagnose a serious illness, makes a wrong diagnosis or a delayed diagnosis, the consequences can be detrimental to a patient’s health and wellbeing. A misdiagnosis could cause patients to be improperly medicated or undergo invasive treatments for an illness they do not have. The recovery time may be prolonged and may even lead to wrongful death.
If you are a victim of a misdiagnosis, you may be able to receive compensation for extended hospitalization, lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. If you lost a loved one due to misdiagnosis, you also have a right to fight for compensation.
Proving Fault In Misdiagnosis Medical Malpractice Claims
When medical professionals overlook symptoms and do not follow the necessary steps in order to make a proper diagnosis, they are not upholding a standard level of care and therefore may be liable for any injuries or added pain and suffering the misdiagnosis may have caused the patient.
Our Pittsburgh misdiagnosis attorneys have experience in fighting for just compensation for our clients. We will work hard to get a successful outcome and have the resources and dedication to thoroughly investigate your case, speak with the physicians or medical staff involved, consult with our own network of medical experts, and closely examine your medical records to establish proof of medical negligence.
Negligence may stem from failure to follow-up on test results or incorrectly interpreting test results. Doctors may not conduct a complete physical exam or recognize symptoms early enough or obtain a patient’s medical history, resulting in a worsening condition for the patient.
Common medical mistakes due to diagnostic errors can include:
- Failure to follow-up on medical tests with the patient;
- Failure to recognize symptoms of serious injury or illness;
- Failure to order proper tests for diagnosis (X-rays, MRIs, CT-scans, blood work, biopsies);
- Not conducting the proper tests;
- Using defective diagnostic medical equipment;
- Mixing up patient results;
- Not gathering a thorough medical history;
- Miscommunication among medical staff;
- Reading lab results incorrectly.
Compensation for a Misdiagnosis/Wrong Diagnosis
Unfortunately, failure to diagnose an illness is a very common problem. Researchers from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine estimate that “the number of patients suffering from misdiagnosis-related, potentially preventable, significant permanent injury or death annually in the United States ranges from 80,000 to 160,000.”
The study also goes on to say that diagnostic errors account for the largest fraction of claims and the most severe patient harm, as well as the highest total penalty payouts.
If you think that you or your loved one’s illness was misdiagnosed, call our Medical Malpractice Lawyers today. We are aggressive and compassionate attorneys who will fight for the compensation you deserve.
We are here to help answer your questions and provide the assistance you need in order to get the maximum compensation that is owed to you, including:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Current and future lost wages
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
Common Misdiagnosis or Wrong Diagnosis Can Include:
- Heart attacks / Cardiac disease
- Pulmonary EmbolismStrokes
- Pneumonia
- Aspergillosis
- Cerebral Palsy
- Cancer (Lung cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, etc.)
- Complications with pregnancy
Pittsburgh Misdiagnosis Attorneys
Our goal is to get the maximum compensation you deserve. We handle all medical malpractice cases on a contingency basis, which means we don’t get paid unless you get paid.
We are aggressive medical malpractice lawyers who know when to negotiate, when to go to court and how to get you money for your injuries. Our team of trial lawyers, investigators, and field experts will work together to build a strong and case for you and your family.
If you believe the physician or medical professionals were negligent in diagnosing and properly treating your condition (and your condition worsened due to the misdiagnosis) contact our office today.