Medical Misdiagnosis is More Common Than You Realize

Whether through the anecdotes of friends and family or through entertainment media, most individuals are familiar with the concept of medical misdiagnosis. In reality, however, incorrect or missed diagnoses occur at an alarming rate.Medical professionals are trusted to properly evaluate a patient's complaints, perform the correct diagnostic procedures, and accurately assess the results of the completed tests. Any miscue in the process can lead to unnecessary delays, worsening conditions, or a course of treatment prescribed for the wrong ailment. Whether through neglect, inattention, or poor training, millions of Americans each year are in danger.In 2014, BMJ Quality & Safety published an article that examined the estimates of three large observational studies. The results were staggering—approximately 12 million US adults are victims of diagnostic errors each year. These estimates suggest that at least 1 in 20 US adults will face some form of diagnostic medical negligence while seeking help for an injury or life-threatening condition this year.

Forms of Medical Misdiagnosis

Medical misdiagnosis may rise to the level of medical malpractice. A misdiagnosis or diagnostic error can take numerous forms, including:

• Misinterpreting a patient's complaint
• Ordering the incorrect diagnostic tests
• Misinterpreting the diagnostic test results
• Failing to monitor the patient's reaction to treatment

Whether the negligence occurred in a hospital, emergency room, urgent care, or other health care facilities, a delay in diagnosis or misdiagnosis can be deadly.It is not uncommon for medical professionals to incorrectly diagnose a condition leading to unnecessary surgery, incorrect treatment, or a worsening condition. If this has happened to you or a loved one, it is wise to seek the counsel of an experienced legal professional. You might be entitled to receive monetary compensation based on your unique circumstances. We invite you to contact our New York law firm for a consultation so that we can answer your questions and help you evaluate your options.