Lawyers Fighting For Misdiagnosis Victims Across Michigan

Diagnostic errors are a significant problem in the medical field. One 2014 study found that approximately 12 million adults in the United States are misdiagnosed in outpatient care medical facilities every year. Out of all those misdiagnosis cases, it’s estimated that about half of them could potentially be harmful to patients. According to another study published by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, misdiagnosis causes about 10% of patient deaths and 6 to 17% of adverse events in hospitals.

At Scott Goodwin Law P.C., we are committed to fighting for patient rights and safety. If you or a family member has been injured due to medical malpractice in Michigan, we want to help. Whether your condition worsened or a loved one lost their life to malpractice, you can hold the responsible parties accountable for their negligence. We understand that this is a difficult time; that is why we work hard to help people start the journey to recovering compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and the loss of a loved one. Please call us at 1-888-GOODWIN or contact us online for a free consultation about getting the legal resources you need.

Misdiagnosis Is At The Heart Of Malpractice

Misdiagnosis is the most commonly cited root cause of medical malpractice claims. A study by Coverys found that misdiagnosis claims represented 33% of all malpractice claims between 2013 and 2017. Errors can occur at any point in the diagnostic process, including during initial patient evaluation, lab testing, patient referral and physician follow-up. Additional errors we often see are receiving the wrong medication and having improper surgery.

What are the most common consequences of a misdiagnosis? The repercussions can be catastrophic or fatal and may include:

• Getting the wrong treatment
• A worsening of symptoms
• Permanent disability or illness
• New medical issues
• Lengthy recovery time
• Need for additional treatment
• Wrongful death

There is likely a considerable increase in medical bills in these cases. Bringing a medical malpractice suit against the negligent party or parties can include the hospital, clinic or health care organization covering the cost of your medical bills.

Medical conditions commonly involved in misdiagnosis claims include:

• Cancer
• Infections
• Cardiac/vascular conditions
• Fractures and dislocations
• Myocardial infarctions

It’s important to note that while a misdiagnosis and a missed diagnosis are very similar, there is a distinction between the two. A misdiagnosis occurs when a patient receives an incorrect diagnosis. On the other hand, a missed diagnosis involves the lack of a diagnosis. While both types of cases can be absolutely devastating for patients, a missed diagnosis can potentially result in a patient’s condition worsening and becoming more difficult to treat later on because of the lack of a diagnosis.

Unfortunately, not all cases of medical misdiagnosis are accidental. There have been cases of unethical doctors intentionally misdiagnosing patients for the purposes of doing unnecessary tests and treatments for their own financial gain, showing a blatant disregard for the well-being of their patients.

How Do I Know I Was Misdiagnosed?

There are many potential signs that you received a misdiagnosis, such as:

• Your symptoms are getting worse, despite medication and medical care
• Your diagnosis does not fit with the symptoms you are having
• You receive a different diagnosis from another physician
• You did not have the usual tests that would be ordered for the illness
• You had a test or procedure that was not needed

It is best to speak with an experienced medical malpractice lawyer to determine whether you have a case. Don’t hesitate to contact us today.

When Should I Seek A Second Opinion?

Similar to the signs that you may have been misdiagnosed, these may be indicators that you need a second opinion:

• You aren’t improving from the treatment
• The diagnosis is for a rare condition
• You do not have a clear understanding of what the doctor is telling you
• There is more than one option for treatment and you don’t know which to choose

In these cases, another doctor’s opinion may clear up any confusion and help you clarify what you need moving forward.

Who Pays My Medical Bills If I Am Misdiagnosed?

This is a common question, and the answer typically includes the responsible physician, health care provider, clinic, hospital or organization. There may be more than one negligent party in some cases. These are complex matters and should be handled by an attorney who is skilled and experienced in complex medical malpractice claims.

How Can We Help You With Your Misdiagnosis Claim?

If you or a loved one has been harmed by a misdiagnosis, don’t hesitate to get the help of a medical malpractice lawyer. These types of cases are very complex, and health care facilities will do everything they can to deny their mistakes. It’s important to have someone on your side who not only understands the law but also has a track record of success in handling misdiagnosis cases. Contact Scott Goodwin Law P.C. or call us at 1-888-GOODWIN to talk to a Michigan medical malpractice lawyer today. Your consultation is free.

(Source: Coverys)