The Failure to Diagnose Is the Most Common Reason for Medical Malpractice Lawsuits

The early treatment diagnosis and treatment of serious medical condition can mean the difference between life and death. Serious conditions, such as cancer and heart disease, are almost always more receptive to treatment if they are caught in their early stages. As a disease progresses, it becomes increasingly more difficult to treat. This puts the patient at a risk for permanent injury or even death.

For these reasons, it is imperative that medical providers thoroughly diagnose any symptoms the patient may be experiencing. Unfortunately, a recent study shows that failure to diagnose medical conditions is a serious problem.

The Facts of the Study

Medical malpractice claims can be a nightmare for both the patient and their treating physicians.  According to a study published in BMJ Open, failure to diagnose is the most common basis for medical malpractice lawsuits in a number of countries, including the United States.

The study noted that cancer and heart attacks are the top conditions that physicians fail to diagnose. More than 48 percent of these cases resulted in the death of the patient. Sadly, most of these patients may not have died had their condition been time diagnosed and treated.

Filing a Medical Malpractice Claim

When a medical provider fails to diagnose a medical condition causing additional harm to the patient, the patient may have a valid medical malpractice claim. Although filing suit will not undo the harm, it will provide the patient with the justice he or she deserves for the negligent acts of the physician.

In cases where the failure to diagnose resulted in death, the family members of the victim may bring a wrongful death claim against the negligent medical provider. An experienced medical malpractice attorney can help the patient and his or her family members get the full extent of the compensation they are entitled to.

Call a Medical Malpractice Attorney Today

For more information or to consult with one of our experienced New York medical malpractice attorneys, please call Gersowitz, Libo & Korek, P.C. at 1-800-529-9997.