Medical Malpractice and Delayed Diagnosis
Are you working through a situation where you were misdiagnosed? Did you receive a delayed diagnosis from a doctor for an illness or injury? If so, the situation can be frustrating to deal with. Not only are your sick or injured, but you also feel as though your doctor did not provide the best care possible. In situations such as these, you should always consult with an attorney who specializes in helping patients who are dealing with medical malpractice.
Diagnosis problems are one of the most common reasons that medical malpractice cases arise. Delaying a diagnosis can result in serious, long-term health problems.
What Exactly is Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice occurs when a medical professional makes an unreasonable error or omission. It can occur in a variety of ways.
For instance, it can be the fault of a specific doctor, a hospital, or numerous other health care professionals, including nurses. If you endure any harm due to a decision they made that is considered careless or reckless, then medical malpractice may have occurred.
What is a Delayed Diagnosis?
Delayed diagnosis occurs when you visit a doctor, a hospital, or another healthcare location for a specific symptom or issue. You receive some type of diagnosis, and after leaving, your situation worsens. If a doctor has failed to recognize the real cause of your symptoms initially but then correctly diagnoses you on a later visit, it may be considered a delayed diagnosis.
Another type of delayed diagnosis occurs when treatment was available at the time of your first appointment, but it is no longer an option due to your worsening condition.
Essentially, if any time passes between your first visit and when your doctor determines your true health condition, a delayed diagnosis has occurred.
Proving Your Medical Malpractice Case for Delayed Diagnosis
Generally speaking, you must demonstrate the following to prove your medical malpractice claim:
- You were the doctor’s patient.
- The doctor failed to provide you with proper care.
- Due to this failure, you suffered more than necessary.
In delayed diagnosis cases, you could prevent additional pain and suffering or medical care if the doctor had immediately diagnosed you with your medical condition.
At the Mcallister Law Firm, we can help you develop your case to present it to an insurance company or in court. Contact us to learn more or to schedule an appointment at our North Carolina office.