Maryland Misdiagnosis Lawyer
Misdiagnosis is a serious issue that affects millions of Americans. A misdiagnosis, simply put, is when your doctor gives you the wrong diagnosis. It’s a situation in which your medical provider tells you that you have some illness or health condition, but it’s actually incorrect.
A misdiagnosis is not to be confused with a missed diagnosis, which refers to a lack of a diagnosis. In these cases, a patient would receive inaccurate treatment or maybe even no treatment at all. An example would be not diagnosing a patient with cancer, causing them to miss out on effective treatment.
But patients are not the only ones who are affected by a misdiagnosis. Physicians and healthcare systems may be held liable for an inaccurate diagnosis. Have you been affected? If so, seek legal help from the Maryland misdiagnosis lawyers at Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman.
Is it Medical Malpractice?
Keep in mind that not all cases of misdiagnosis are considered medical malpractice. That’s because the misdiagnosis needs to cause some degree of harm to the patient in order to proceed with a valid medical malpractice case.
Not all cases of misdiagnosis are deadly. In some cases, it doesn’t matter whether or not a patient’s diagnosis is incorrect, because the medical problem will heal on its own. In these situations, the patient would not be able to file a lawsuit, since they suffered no harm. They cannot, therefore, claim any damages.
In other cases, though, the diagnosis is so incorrect that the patient receives the wrong treatment, causing a worsened condition, disability, or even death. When this happens, the patient can receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
How to Prevent Misdiagnosis
As a patient, you can do your part to prevent misdiagnosis by doing the following:
- Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, even if you think they are unimportant. Being proactive may help your doctor understand your medical concern.
- Be honest. Don’t be afraid to tell your doctor about all the symptoms you are experiencing. This will help your doctor make the best diagnosis possible.
- Be proactive with your health. Do your research and be willing to share important information, such as family history of illness and lifestyle habits (diet, alcohol use, smoking, etc.). Make sure you understand your tests and have your doctor explain their thought process.
- Get a second opinion. If you feel uneasy about your doctor’s diagnosis, get a second opinion. If the diagnosis is the same, then you can get peace of mind. If not, then you can continue to resolve your medical issue.
Contact Us Today
A proper diagnosis from a doctor can help a sick or injured patient get the treatment they need. Without prompt, proper treatment, a person can suffer a worsened condition, which can lead to disability or death.
Have you been affected? If so, the personal injury lawyers at Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman can help you file a misdiagnosis claim against a negligent doctor. Schedule a free consultation with our office today. Call 410-998-3600 to get started.
