Whenever a patient visits a doctor, they are placing their trust in the medical care and treatment they expect to receive. When there has been a failed or erroneous diagnosis, it can cause serious consequences for the victim and, potentially, for the victim’s family. If there has been a missed diagnosis or delayed diagnosis that has caused harm, medical professionals may be liable to the victim and their family for the damages suffered.
It is important for doctors and other medical professionals not to dismiss important considerations, such as symptoms or the patient’s complaints, when diagnosing the patient’s medical condition. If the medical professional does not act as a reasonably prudent medical professional should under the circumstances, they may be considered negligent and the victim may have a claim for medical malpractice. Medical malpractice refers to a variety of different types of negligence and medical mistakes, including a failure to diagnose, a delayed diagnosis or an erroneous diagnosis.
In general, if there has been an erroneous diagnosis that has resulted in illness or disease progression beyond what would have been expected had the medical condition been properly diagnosed and treated, then the victim may have a claim for damages. Even an incorrect diagnosis can result in erroneous treatment, which can cause harm.
Victims of medical malpractice may suffer a variety of physical, financial and emotional damages, which is why legal resources are available to help them recover compensation for the harm they have suffered. A medical malpractice claim for damages can protect victims and their families harmed by a medical mistake.
Source: FindLaw, “Failed/Erroneous Diagnosis and Treatment,” Accessed March 20, 2018
