The majority of medical malpractice lawsuits deal with diagnostic errors. It is not difficult to understand why; without a correct diagnosis, a patient’s chances for recovery can decrease substantially. A delay in reaching the correct diagnosis can have grave or even fatal consequences for patients. The Philadelphia delayed diagnosis lawyers at Lowenthal & Abrams, Injury Attorneys are firmly committed to helping the victims of missed or delayed diagnoses. We will seek to help you and your family obtain the compensation to which you might be entitled for increased medical bills, lost wages and, in the case of death, lost companionship.
Causes of Delayed Diagnosis
In a crowded and busy environment, like the average hospital, mistakes and oversights are easy to make. There are many factors that may contribute to a delay in a patient’s diagnosis, although none of them are acceptable. Some of the most commonly cited reasons include:
- Busy emergency rooms where patients cannot receive immediate attention
- Subtle symptoms that may be overlooked
- Disorders whose symptoms closely resemble one another
- Rare disorders that doctors may not recognize
- Inattentive doctors, nurses, or emergency room staff
- Inexperienced employees
- Failure to perform proper tests
- Failure to engage in a thorough exam
Consequences of a Delay in Diagnosis
Some illnesses, such as cancer, can progress past the point of possible recovery if they are not addressed in time. Other illnesses require immediate attention; if people suffering from them do not receive prompt care, the results can be debilitating or fatal. Conditions that tend to have the worst consequences if they’re not diagnosed in time include:
- Heart attacks
- Stroke
- Cancer / Breast Cancer
- Appendicitis
- Infection
- Death
Speak with a Philadelphia Delayed Diagnosis Attorney
If you or a loved one has been harmed by a delay in diagnosis, a medical malpractice suit may help you gain compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. To learn more, share your story with our Philadelphia delayed diagnosis lawyer.