Delayed Diagnosis and Misdiagnosis Claims
When it comes to your health, proper and timely diagnosis is critical. A delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis can lead to prolonged suffering, more invasive treatments, and sometimes even life-threatening conditions. This isn’t just speculation either. The British Medical Journal conducted a study of diagnostic errors in the U.S. and found that more than 12 million adults here are misdiagnosed annually. Of those patients who received a wrong diagnosis, 20% had serious medical conditions that went undiagnosed. More than a quarter of all misdiagnoses are life-altering or life-threatening, and diagnostic mistakes show up in 44% of some types of cancer and more than 50% of all mammograms. Patients often have no idea these errors are happening; tests are taken, but the results are misread or misinterpreted by the radiologists, lab techs, and even the physicians themselves. Often, the initial result calls for further testing, but the doctor fails to order any.
Diagnosis is the first step in medical treatment, and getting it right is as critical as receiving the correct treatment. When patients don’t get a proper diagnosis, they don’t get the treatment they need, and they may be further harmed by receiving the wrong treatment. Delayed diagnoses are equally dangerous. Even when a diagnosis is made correctly, if it comes too late, the condition may have already worsened to the point where damage is irreparable, or a treatable condition becomes terminal. A delayed diagnosis of cancer or stroke are just two examples where failing to make a prompt diagnosis can be fatal.
If you have been a victim of delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis, you may have a valid medical malpractice claim against the doctor or hospital for the harm they have caused you through failure to adhere to the appropriate standard of care. In New York, Leandros A. Vrionedes, P.C., is committed to protecting your legal rights and seeking compensation for the harm you’ve suffered. Reach out today for a free consultation with an experienced and successful New York medical malpractice lawyer.
Delayed Diagnosis
Delayed diagnosis occurs when a healthcare provider fails to identify a medical condition within a reasonable timeframe, leading to a delay in treatment. In New York, a medical malpractice claim based on delayed diagnosis must show that the healthcare provider breached the standard of care expected of professionals in the same field. Proving that the doctor committed malpractice requires working with a medical expert who can explain the expected standard of care and describe how it was not met in this particular instance.
The impact of a delayed diagnosis can be devastating and wide-ranging. Typical adverse consequences include:
- Increased Severity: A condition that could have been managed or cured may become severe or even fatal.
- Additional Treatment: Patients may need more invasive treatments than would have been necessary with a timely diagnosis. These can be more costly, more painful, and require more time off work to recover.
- Psychological Toll: Knowing that an earlier diagnosis could have prevented suffering can cause severe mental anguish and emotional distress.
Misdiagnosis
Misdiagnosis happens when a healthcare provider incorrectly identifies your medical condition, which can lead to incorrect treatment or lack thereof. Just like in the case of delayed diagnosis, proving medical malpractice based on misdiagnosis requires demonstrating a breach of the standard of care. A medical diagnosis is both a science and an art, and it can be challenging to prove that a doctor’s misdiagnosis was an unreasonable mistake. A medical expert can review the medical records and determine whether the misdiagnosis was reasonable or would not have happened with the appropriate level of competence and care.
A misdiagnosis can yield many severe negative outcomes, such as:
- Ineffective Treatment: Receiving the wrong treatment can worsen your condition.
- Unnecessary Procedures: In some cases, misdiagnosis may lead to unnecessary surgical interventions.
- Missed Treatment Window: The opportunity to treat the actual condition may be lost or limited due to the misdiagnosis.
Contact Leandros A. Vrionedes, P.C. for Help With Medical Malpractice Claims in NYC
Don’t let a delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis deprive you of your legal rights. Take action today to hold negligent healthcare providers accountable. By bringing malpractice into the light, you obtain justice and compensation for the harm done to you and help make healthcare safer for everyone in New York.
If you believe you are a victim of delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis in New York, it’s crucial to consult a qualified personal injury attorney who understands the complexities of medical malpractice law. Leandros A. Vrionedes, P.C., has years of experience advocating for victims in New York and can guide you through the legal process to seek the compensation you deserve. Call 212-889-9362 for a no-cost consultation to review your potential claims.
