A missed diagnosis is the most frequent diagnostic error. When a healthcare professional misdiagnoses a patient despite the existence of symptoms or test findings that should have indicated a diagnosis, this happens.
Missed diagnosis may be caused by several things, such as poor communication between medical professionals, ordering the wrong tests or imaging, failing to investigate all potential diagnoses, or failing to follow up on suspicious test findings. Cancer, heart attacks, strokes, and infections are a few of the most prevalent diseases that are overlooked or incorrectly diagnosed.
Causes of missed diagnosis
Patient or family information that is insufficient or inaccurate
A missed diagnosis may result from inaccurate reporting of a patient’s symptoms or medical history. Inaccurate information regarding the patient’s history of illness or symptoms may also be given by family members.
Healthcare providers not communicating with each other
When information is unavailable or is not provided in a timely way, healthcare practitioners may miscommunicate. This may occur if a patient receives treatment from many clinicians, such as when they are moved from one institution to another or visit several specialists.
Failing to request the necessary scans or tests
When a medical professional fails to request the right tests or images to aid in the identification of a problem, a missed diagnosis may result. This could occur if the medical professional is unfamiliar with the ailment or the most recent diagnostic methods.
Not taking action after receiving abnormal test results
If a healthcare professional does not check up on abnormal test findings, a diagnosis may be missed. This may occur if the service provider overlooks the findings’ importance or neglects to do additional research.
The wrong kind of physical examination
A healthcare professional may miss a diagnosis if they don’t do a thorough physical exam. This may occur if the healthcare professional is unfamiliar with the issue or if they lack the necessary training for doing physical exams.
Lack of expertise or understanding on the side of the medical professional
If a healthcare professional lacks the expertise or understanding to identify a problem, a diagnosis may be missed.
What Should I Do if I Have a Medical Malpractice Claim?
1. Seek medical care: Even if you have previously been treated, it is crucial to seek medical care as soon as you can. This will make it easier to keep track of any difficulties or injuries that could have been brought on by medical negligence.
2. Gather proof: Gather any pertinent test results, medical records, and other supporting data. This might include any contact with your healthcare professional, medical bills, and details of your previous treatments.
3. Speak with a lawyer: It is essential to speak with an experienced medical malpractice attorney who focuses on handling medical malpractice lawsuits. They can aid in your claim evaluation and assist you in choosing the best course of action.
4. Submit a complaint to the appropriate state medical board. Medical boards are established in several jurisdictions to regulate the behavior of healthcare professionals. You may register a complaint with the board, and it will look into it and, if necessary, take appropriate disciplinary action.
5. File a lawsuit on your behalf: If you decide to pursue your claim, your lawyer will do so. The legal procedure will then start, which can include depositions, discovery, and perhaps a trial.
Other Types of Medical Errors
- Prescription errors
- Delay in diagnosis
- Surgical errors
- Treatment errors
- Birth injuries
- Failure to adequately supervise a patient during surgery
- Prevention of illness spread
- Mistakes in communication
How Long do I Have to File a Medical Malpractice Claim in Pittsburgh?
Each state has a different deadline for filing medical malpractice lawsuits. In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations typically lasts two years, starting either from the time the malpractice occurred or from the moment the damage was or should have been detected, depending on which comes first. For a juvenile who is younger than 18, there is a provision that delays the commencement of the statute of limitations until the child turns 18.
What Kinds of Compensation can I Seek from a Medical Malpractice Suit in Pittsburgh?
You can be entitled to financial compensation in a medical malpractice case for both non-economic (such as pain and suffering) and economic (such as medical costs, lost income, and loss of earning ability) damages. Your situation’s circumstances and the rules of the state where you bring your lawsuit will determine the particular sorts of compensation that are available in your case. It’s crucial to speak with a medical malpractice lawyer to learn what compensation you could be eligible for in your particular case.
How Long Does a Malpractice Settlement Take?
Depending on the specific circumstances of the case and the jurisdiction where the complaint is filed, the time it takes to obtain a medical malpractice settlement might vary significantly. Because they sometimes include complicated medical concerns that require expert evidence from Pittsburgh medical malpractice attorneys, medical malpractice claims typically require more time to settle than other kinds of personal injury cases.
What is The Average Settlement for Medical Malpractice?
Because each case is different and the amount of compensation may vary substantially based on the particular circumstances of the case and the jurisdiction where the lawsuit is filed, it is challenging to estimate an average settlement value for medical malpractice cases. The extent of the injuries, the amount of time spent receiving care, and the victim’s long-term prognosis are all elements that may influence the settlement amount.
Why Choose Frischman & Rizza?
Frischman & Rizza can stand as your legal counsel if you or a loved one suffered a delayed diagnosis. Our skilled Pittsburgh medical malpractice lawyers have a track record of winning medical malpractice claims and battling for the proper compensation.
We are aware of the psychological and economic toll that a delayed diagnosis can have on a patient and their entire family, and we will spare no effort in holding those accountable.
To arrange a free consultation, get in touch with us right away. We’ll work with you to obtain the justice you need.
