Medical Malpractice Lawyer

A misdiagnosis is one of the most common types of medical malpractice and can result in injury or even death to a patient. If a doctor diagnoses a patient with the wrong condition, the patient will take the wrong treatment and the actual disease can continue to progress. Finding out that you have been wrongly diagnosed by a medical professional can be devastating. It’s important to talk about your legal options with a medical malpractice lawyer.

Here are some of the most common causes of misdiagnoses.

Failure to Order the Proper Testing

Medical tests are typically the most effective way to properly diagnose various health conditions. Doctors generally order tests based on the symptoms a patient is experiencing. However, the actual disease a patient has can be missed if the doctor only orders tests based on just the symptoms the patient is describing. It’s a good idea for a doctor to always order multiple tests to make the correct diagnosis

Symptoms Are Similar to Other Conditions

Unfortunately, there are many health conditions out there that have very similar symptoms. This can confuse doctors and cause them to make the wrong diagnosis. For example, fibromyalgia commonly gets misdiagnosed as chronic fatigue syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis. If a doctor believes that a patient has a minor condition, they may not do any further testing. The patient could turn out to have a much more serious condition. Once the patient finds out their true condition, it may be too late for treatment.

Improper Training for Advanced Diseases

There are countless medical conditions that can affect people and not all doctors are aware of all the rare and advanced diseases out there. They might confuse the symptoms of a rare disease with a more common medical condition. It’s important for doctors to continuously educate themselves about all the different diseases out there to reduce the chances of misdiagnosing someone.

Doctor May Be Overworked or Fatigued

Being in the medical field can be incredibly demanding and tiring. Many doctors are overworked and complain of fatigue. Unfortunately, when a doctor is overworked, they are unable to concentrate as well and can are more likely to make serious mistakes. It’s vital for doctors to take proper breaks throughout the day and get enough sleep to avoid becoming too fatigued.

Consulting With a Medical Malpractice Lawyer

If you’ve recently been misdiagnosed, you should speak to an experienced medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney can understand how terrifying it can be to get diagnosed with the wrong condition and want to help you get justice. Attorneys have helped many medical malpractice victims receive compensation in the past and possess the knowledge and skills to guide you through this difficult time. Lawyers will review your case, help you gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies and ensure your legal rights are protected.