We depend on our healthcare providers to make timely and accurate diagnoses. When your doctor fails to diagnose a condition, the consequences can be far more severe than they might have been otherwise. Delayed diagnosis is not just a medical oversight—it can be medical malpractice.
What is a delayed diagnosis?
A delayed diagnosis occurs when a doctor or healthcare provider fails to identify a medical condition within a reasonable timeframe, causing a delay in necessary treatment. This can happen for various reasons: misreading test results, overlooking symptoms or failing to order appropriate tests are all common causes.
The consequences of a delayed diagnosis can be severe. They may lead to worsened health outcomes, increased medical costs and unnecessary suffering. Patients often require more aggressive treatments, longer recovery times and end up with a lower quality of life. In some cases, the delay can be fatal.
For example, if a doctor fails to diagnose cancer in its early stages, the patient could miss the opportunity for less invasive treatments and face a poorer prognosis. Similarly, delayed diagnosis of a heart condition can result in a heart attack or other life-threatening complications.
When is delayed diagnosis medical malpractice?
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional deviates from the accepted standard of care, resulting in harm to the patient. In the case of a delayed diagnosis, the standard of care involves promptly and accurately diagnosing a patient’s condition based on the symptoms presented and appropriate medical tests. When a doctor fails to do this, they may be liable for any harm that results from the delay.
To prove medical malpractice in a delayed diagnosis case, a plaintiff has to prove that a doctor/patient relationship existed—in other words, the doctor had a duty of care to the patient.
Next, they must show the provider failed to meet the accepted medical standard, which led to the delay in diagnosis. This delay in diagnosis must have directly caused harm, such as the progression of a disease or a reduced chance of successful treatment.
What to do if you suspect delayed diagnosis
Medical malpractice claims can provide compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. However, these cases can be complex. They typically require expert testimony and thorough investigation.
If you or a loved one has suffered due to a delayed diagnosis, it’s important to document everything. Keep detailed records of timelines, doctor appointments, payments, medications and any medical interventions.
Ohio’s statute of limitations for medical malpractice is also shorter than other personal injury claims. It’s important to call the Law Offices of Tim Misny as soon as you suspect you’ve been a victim of medical malpractice.
Discuss your case with a Columbus medical malpractice lawyer
The Law Offices of Tim Misny can review your medical malpractice case. When you’re the victim of negligence or recklessness, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call my office at (877) 614-9524 so that I can evaluate your case right away.
