When a patient seeks medical help, he expects that his doctor will determine what is causing his illness and provide options for treatment. Indeed, a patient’s symptoms are clues the doctor will use to make a diagnosis. But when a doctor misses these clues or misinterprets them, the mistake can be extremely harmful to a patient. It is no surprise then, that many medical malpractice cases begin as the result of a doctor who either failed to diagnose a medical condition, or misdiagnosed (improperly diagnosed) a medical condition.
Failure to diagnose a medical condition occurs when the doctor does not diagnose the patient in a timely manner. The doctor may miss certain symptoms and believe a patient is healthier than he actually is. When this happens, the patient’s condition has the opportunity to further deteriorate due to the fact that treatment was not received in a timely manner. Similarly, a misdiagnosis also gives the patient’s medical condition more time to deteriorate. A patient who receives an incorrect diagnosis will also receive the wrong type of treatment. Regardless of whether the doctor fails to make a diagnosis or misdiagnoses a patient’s condition, the consequences are the same – the potential for further harm or even death.
With Some Medical Conditions, Time is Not on Your Side
Many medical conditions, such as cancer and heart disease, are treatable if they are properly and timely diagnosed. There are many other conditions that require timely diagnosis, including:
- Aneurysms (in particular, ruptured, but unruptured aneurysms should be diagnosed if possible)
- Strokes
- Appendicitis
- Kidney disease
- Meningitis
- HIV (the virus that leads to AIDS)
Of course, it is not always possible for a doctor or other healthcare professional to diagnose every condition immediately, particularly if all symptoms have not presented themselves yet. However, doctors should strive to follow the appropriate medical procedures and guidelines to provide as accurate and as early a diagnosis as possible. A doctor who improperly diagnoses or fails to diagnose a condition may be found liable for medical malpractice, especially when medical records and testimony suggest that the doctor had sufficient evidence to make a timely diagnosis (and a correct diagnosis). Not only might a doctor be liable for a patient’s pain and suffering, but the doctor may also be liable for the medical expenses associated with delayed diagnosis and treatment.
Pita Weber Del Prado are Committed to Providing the Best Representation to Our Clients
The lawyers at Pita Weber Del Prado have successfully represented patients who have been harmed as a result of a doctor’s failure to diagnose or misdiagnosis of a medical condition. If you or your loved one has been affected by a misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose a medical condition, you may be entitled to compensation for any injuries suffered. Our lawyers are ready to fight on your behalf to get the justice you deserve. Call 305-670-2889 today to speak with an experienced Miami medical malpractice lawyer. Your initial consultation is always free.
