Misdiagnosing a patient’s condition not only allows the injury or illness to worsen but also can lead to severe complications if the prescribed treatment causes side effects. Unfortunately, misdiagnosis lawsuit cases are fairly common across the country, and patients often have to fight an uphill legal battle to obtain the compensation they deserve.
Alternately, some claims of misdiagnoses are false, as determined through medical evidence. Qualified medical professionals with an understanding of the standard of care will be able to help determine the difference.
At Cardinal LifeCare Consulting, we provide life care planning and medical expert witness services to medical malpractice attorneys. If you’re involved in a misdiagnosis case, we may be able to strengthen your claim by providing an evidence-based life care plan and credible testimony from highly qualified healthcare professionals. Call us today at 724-487-0519 to learn more.
Let’s explore the three most common types of misdiagnosis lawsuit cases:
1. The Doctor Ruled Out the Right Diagnosis
When treating a patient, doctors will compile a list of different diagnoses in order of probability based on the patient’s symptoms. The doctor will then determine the plausibility of each diagnosis by conducting diagnostic tests, looking into the patient’s medical history, and asking the patient certain questions. This process is known as a differential diagnosis.
In the best-case scenario, a doctor would be able to rule out all diagnoses except the right one and treat the patient for the underlying condition; however, testing errors may cause the doctor to rule out the right condition.
2. The Doctor Failed to Conduct the Appropriate Tests
Performing the appropriate diagnostic tests is a vital part of a doctor’s duty to his or her patient. If it’s revealed that a doctor failed to conduct tests a competent healthcare provider in his or her position would have otherwise performed, this may constitute malpractice.
3. The Doctor Failed to Consult a Specialist Outside of His or Her Field
Delivering an accurate diagnosis may require a doctor to seek the advice of a medical expert outside of his or her field. A misdiagnosis can occur when doctors fail to consult the appropriate medical specialists.
Life Care Planning and Expert Witness Services for Misdiagnosis Cases
If you are working on a medical malpractice case involving misdiagnosis, Cardinal LifeCare Consulting is here to help. To speak with one of our life care planners, contact us today at 724-487-0519.
