Being misdiagnosed by a doctor or other medical provider can be alarming to victims and can also cause their medical condition to worsen if left untreated. In general, if a victim of medical malpractice suffers disease progression beyond what would have been expected had their medical condition been timely and properly diagnosed and treated, they may have a claim for damages against a negligent medical are provider.
Medical misdiagnosis can occur in a variety of settings and can have catastrophic consequences, including death, for victims. Victims of medical malpractice and their families should be familiar with legal resources available to help them with the damages that result from a misdiagnosis which can include physical, financial, emotional and wrongful death damages depending on the circumstances. Medical misdiagnosis can include a failure to diagnose, delayed diagnosis or and erroneous diagnosis and subsequent inappropriate treatment and care as a result.
Some medical conditions that may be misdiagnosed can include cancers, heart attacks and strokes, asthma, Lyme disease, Parkinson’s disease and lupus, among others. Each instance of misdiagnosis can be devastating for victims and their families. With each missed diagnosis, victims and their families can suffer significant harm. It is important that doctors and other medical care professionals provide medical care and treatment that is aligned with the standard of care and when they fail to do so, they may be liable for the damages suffered by the victim.
Doctors, nurses, surgeons, hospitals and other medical care providers can also be responsible for medical malpractice. Victims should be aware of the legal resources and remedies available to assist them when they have suffered the misdiagnosis of their illness during a vulnerable time.