When it comes to treating some ailments like cancer, the earlier you seek medical attention, the better. But what if you play your part and see a doctor only to end up with a wrong diagnosis?
It means that you will not receive the proper treatment you need, and your condition could worsen. For instance, your cancer could progress to the next stage, making it difficult to eradicate. In such a case, you need to hold the doctor accountable for the misdiagnosis.
When can a wrong diagnosis occur?
The doctor may fail to conduct conclusive tests to ascertain the true cause of your illness, leading to a wrong diagnosis. This can happen due to a lack of training or even fatigue.
A wrong diagnosis can also arise from a mix-up of results or lab samples. You could end up with another patient’s diagnosis and receive treatment for their condition while your actual illness goes untreated. Neither reason is excusable, and they all border on negligence by the health care provider.
Taking action following a misdiagnosis
A missed diagnosis is a form of medical malpractice that affects millions of Americans every year, resulting in thousands of deaths. As a victim, you need to protect your legal rights after being wrongfully diagnosed.
It is possible to sue the negligent doctor or health care provider and recover the damages you suffered as a result of their misdiagnosis. However, you need to know that a medical malpractice lawsuit can get complicated due to the complex nature of the field of medicine and the likelihood of the at-fault doctor fighting back.
Therefore, it is advisable to prepare yourself adequately by learning more about such claims so that you can know what to expect. It will help you navigate your claim and get the compensation you deserve.
