When people think of medical malpractice, they usually think of mistakes that are made by physicians and health care providers. Unsanitary medical equipment, surgical errors, or wrongful diagnoses are just a few things that go wrong from time to time in hospitals and doctor’s offices around the country and world. But one of the most dangerous things a health care provider can do to a patient is fail to diagnose a condition that requires speedy and effective treatment. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury or even death because of a failure of your doctor to diagnose in a timely manner, you can take legal action and pursue compensation for your suffering.
All illnesses and injuries should be diagnosed in a reasonable amount of time, but there are some instances when a failure to diagnose in a timely manner can be particularly problematic for the patient. Some of the most dangerous illnesses for late diagnoses include:
When these illnesses are not diagnosed, it can lead to further complications, expenses, and in the worst-case scenario, even death. Although the medical field is complex and doctors must be cautious not to make hasty decisions, it is considered negligent when a doctor fails to notice certain symptoms, listen attentively to patients, or conduct the required tests. If you think you have been the victim of a delayed diagnosis, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer.