Misdiagnosis and Missed Diagnosis
An estimated 795,000 Americans suffer serious harms from diagnostic error each year
A doctor is meant to help, but what happens when he/she misses your diagnosis? You need a lawyer who will shoot you straight and get you back to normalcy. Call us at 346.501.FUNK.
Why you should hire an attorney after a misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis
You trust your doctor. You believe they have your best interests at heart and possess the expertise to diagnose your health concerns accurately. But what happens when that trust is shattered by a misdiagnosis?
Misdiagnosis, also known as a missed diagnosis or delayed diagnosis, occurs when a healthcare professional fails to identify the correct underlying cause of your medical condition. This can have devastating consequences, leading to delayed treatment, unnecessary procedures, worsening health, and even death.
At Funk Law Group, we understand the profound impact a misdiagnosis can have on your life. We are dedicated to helping patients who have been harmed by medical errors recover the compensation they deserve.
The Dangers of Misdiagnosis
Misdiagnosis is a surprisingly common occurrence. According to a study published in BMJ Quality & Safety, an estimated 795,000 Americans suffer serious harms from diagnostic error each year. These errors can manifest in several ways:
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Missed Diagnosis: The doctor fails to identify a serious illness altogether, leading to a delay in receiving necessary treatment.
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Misdiagnosed Condition: The doctor diagnoses you with the wrong condition, resulting in inappropriate treatment that may worsen your actual health problem.
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Delayed Diagnosis: The doctor takes too long to arrive at a correct diagnosis, causing the illness to progress and potentially become more difficult to treat.
The consequences of misdiagnosis can be severe, including:
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Progression of the underlying illness: Delayed or improper treatment can allow the real condition to worsen, leading to permanent damage or even death.
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Unnecessary treatments: If you are wrongly diagnosed, you may undergo unnecessary procedures, medications, or surgeries with potential side effects.
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Financial hardship: Misdiagnosis can lead to a significant financial burden due to additional medical bills for the wrong treatment and the potentially more expensive treatment needed later.
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Pain, suffering, and emotional distress: The physical pain and emotional toll of a misdiagnosis can be immense.
What Makes a Misdiagnosis Medical Malpractice?
Not every misdiagnosis is grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit. Doctors are human and mistakes can happen. However, you may have a case if:
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The doctor deviated from the standard of care: Doctors are expected to follow established medical practices and protocols. If a doctor fails to do so, and it leads to a misdiagnosis and harm, it could be considered medical malpractice.
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The misdiagnosis caused you harm: You must have suffered some form of physical or emotional injury as a result of the misdiagnosis.
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There is a clear link between the doctor's error and your injury: A qualified medical expert can establish that the doctor's mistake directly caused your harm.
What to Do if You Believe You Have Been Misdiagnosed
If you suspect a misdiagnosis, it is crucial to seek a second opinion from another healthcare professional. Early intervention and proper treatment are critical for your health.
Here are some additional steps you can take:
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Gather all your medical records: This will provide valuable documentation of your medical history, tests, and diagnoses.
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Document your symptoms and experiences: Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, doctor visits, and treatments.
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Contact a medical malpractice attorney: A lawyer experienced in medical malpractice cases can evaluate your situation and advise you on your legal options.
How Funk Law Group Can Help
At Funk Law Group, we understand the complexities of medical malpractice cases involving misdiagnosis. We have a team of experienced attorneys and medical experts dedicated to holding negligent healthcare professionals accountable.
If you have been harmed due to a misdiagnosis, we can help you:
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Investigate your case and determine if you have a valid medical malpractice claim.
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Collect evidence and build a strong case on your behalf.
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Aggressively negotiate with the healthcare provider's insurance company to secure fair compensation.
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Represent you in court if necessary.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you will not pay any attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
You Deserve Justice
A misdiagnosis can have a devastating impact on your life. You should not have to suffer the physical, emotional, and financial consequences of a medical error alone.
If you believe you have been a victim of misdiagnosis, contact Funk Law Group today for a free consultation. We are here to help you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.