Government Report Finds High Rate of Misdiagnosis
Healthcare providers work hard day in and day out to save lives, improve lives and help people return to their everyday lifestyles after a serious illness or injury. However, there are chances that doctors and nurses might make a mistake and misdiagnose a patient causing them to experience worsened pain and in severe cases, resulting in their death.
Some of the most common misdiagnosed conditions include:
Heart conditions.
Strokes.
Back, especially spinal cord-related injuries.
Parkinson’s disease; is a degenerative disorder with symptoms that include shaking, tremors and muscle stiffness.
Lyme disease; is caused by tick bites. Its symptoms include breathlessness, nausea, vomiting and soreness in the chest and ribs.
Lupus – is characterized by inflammation, fatigue and organ damage.
A recent report revealed that almost 7 million patients are misdiagnosed every year in the US. This means, either their condition became worse, they suffered in pain, or they lost their lives. When doctors or emergency healthcare providers make such mistakes, it falls under “medical malpractice”. If you or anyone you know has fallen victim to a doctor’s malpractice, it is strongly recommended to get professional legal assistance.
While it is true that emergency responders treat critically injured or ill patients with little to no background information, the chances of misdiagnosis are higher. However, there is always room for improvement and the system should be used to track any previous history of the patients.
How can a malpractice attorney help you?
Your lawyer will gather as much data as possible to build your case for malpractice. This will include a record of your symptoms, treatment plans suggested by your doctor, any tests or scans prescribed, and the time taken by the doctor to respond to your condition.
They will also determine if the treatment carried out by the doctor, given your condition, is what another doctor would recommend as well, so see if there is evidence of any malpractice.
Misdiagnosis can result in you spending large sums of money on unnecessary or incorrect tests and medications. Your lawyer will help you recover as much damage as possible.
Before making any settlements, consult with your lawyer to see if the offer covers your medical expenses, any lost wages due to absence from work, the distress and suffering caused by the misdiagnosis and any other related damages.
Some lawyers offer a free consultation so that you can understand whether you have a case to fight or not. Once malpractice is evident, your attorney will help you fight your case and get the best possible compensation for the harm inflicted on you.
With a deep knowledge of the law, top negotiating skills, and decades of trial experience, our Lexington-based legal team at Regard Law Group, PLLC, is here to help. We're available on the phone 24/7. We have served the Lexington, KY, area for over 20+ years. Contact our office to schedule an initial consultation or get more information about our services.