Maryland Delayed Diagnosis Lawyer
When we go to the doctor to get checked out for various symptoms, we expect to get an accurate diagnosis. While doctors do get it right a lot of the time, sometimes they don’t, and it can have serious and even fatal consequences.
In many cases, there is a delayed diagnosis involved. This refers to cases where a patient’s health condition or disease is not diagnosed within a reasonable amount of time. The patient sought medical care but the treating physician did not diagnose the actual condition in time. Cancer is a common example. This is different from a misdiagnosis, which is when the doctor does make a diagnosis for a medical condition, but it is incorrect.
Most people will experience a delayed diagnosis at some point in their lives, but if it causes harm, such as a disease to spread, then the patient may have a valid medical malpractice case. Have you or a loved one been affected? If so, contact the Maryland delayed diagnosis lawyers at Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman so we can assess your case.
When Delayed Diagnosis is Medical Malpractice
Keep in mind that a delayed diagnosis is not always medical malpractice. For example, if the patient does not seek medical care, then a doctor cannot be held liable. Also, if the patient is not honest about all their symptoms and this makes it hard for the doctor to make a proper diagnosis, then the doctor cannot be accused of medical malpractice.
A doctor can be accused of medical malpractice if they violate the medical standard of care they owe to a patient. This means that did or did not do something contrary to what a reasonable physician in the same situation would have done.
Some examples include:
- A patient reports certain symptoms but the doctor diagnoses a less-serious illness.
- A doctor failed to take appropriate action in coming to a clear diagnosis, such as conducting different tests or asking different questions.
- A patient’s lab work is conducted incorrectly, misinterpreted, or lost.
- A doctor notices abnormal blood work but does not order further tests.
- A doctor cannot properly treat a patient’s condition but fails to refer them to a specialist.
Having a copy of your medical records is important, especially if you have multiple healthcare providers. Specialists do not always communicate with each other, and this lack of communication can lead to delays in receiving a diagnosis for a medical condition.
Contact Us Today
There are a lot of diseases with similar symptoms, so as you can imagine, a delayed diagnosis is common. While doctors are not perfect, their negligence can lead to a diagnosis error that can have serious effects.
If you have suffered harm due to a doctor’s misdiagnosis, the personal injury lawyers at Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman can help you file a medical malpractice lawsuit against the liable party. Schedule a free consultation today. Call our office at 410-998-3600.
