While navigating the healthcare system in Ohio, a patient may experience many forms of medical malpractice. Misdiagnosis is one of the most common examples but also one of the most poorly understood. It can also be difficult to define, and patients who have experienced this form of medical malpractice may be unsure whether they can pursue compensation.
Even if you merely suspect that a doctor misdiagnosed your illness or injury, you should follow up with an experienced medical malpractice lawyer in Ohio. Our legal professionals can help you pursue compensation for medical malpractice, misdiagnosis, and other types of negligence you have experienced while navigating the healthcare system.
However, it is important to realize that due to tort reform in Ohio, a patient will still need catastrophic, permanent injuries to likely pursue a medical malpractice case with our firm.
Additionally, the most difficult part of a misdiagnosis, medical malpractice case is that the lawyer must prove that, had the proper diagnosis been made, more likely than not, the outcome would have been different.
What Is Misdiagnosis?
Misdiagnosis is a type of medical error. It occurs when healthcare providers mistake one disorder, illness, or injury for another. These mistakes can be costly for patients in many ways, increasing their medical costs while causing considerable stress.
Misdiagnosis can be harmful for different reasons. First, a doctor might tell a patient that their medical issue is not very serious – when in fact they require immediate treatment. This could lead to a delay in treatment, and this delay could have fatal or critical consequences.
However, the opposite may also be harmful. A doctor might mistakenly tell a patient that they have a serious, life-threatening issue – when in fact their condition is relatively minor. This “false alarm” may cause the patient to endure invasive surgeries, dangerous medication, and other treatments that are completely unnecessary.
Either way, all doctors should have the necessary training to avoid misdiagnosis. Often, these mistakes are caused by doctors who fail to pay enough attention to their patients. They may also fail to follow standard medical procedures, including testing methods.
Misdiagnosis vs. Missed Diagnosis
Although the terms “misdiagnosis” and “missed diagnosis” sound very similar, they are two different things. Unlike misdiagnosis, missed diagnosis involves the complete absence of a diagnosis. In contrast, a doctor who misdiagnoses a condition provides a patient with an answer – but it is simply the wrong one.
While these subtle differences may be difficult to understand for some patients, both misdiagnoses and missed diagnoses can lead to the same end result: Medical malpractice lawsuits in Ohio. Both mistakes are totally inexcusable in the modern field of medicine, and you can deserve justice whether a doctor missed your diagnosis or provided you with an incorrect diagnosis.
Examples of Misdiagnoses
Misdiagnoses can take various forms. The list of known medical conditions is extensive, and many of these conditions closely resemble one another. Therefore, certain mistakes are more common – especially if two disorders share many of the same symptoms. Here are some frequent examples of misdiagnoses:
- Breast Cancer: Patients who are concerned about potential breast cancer are often misdiagnosed. Sometimes, patients receive false-positive breast cancer diagnoses – and this may cause unnecessary surgical procedures that affect both physical and psychological well-being. Alternatively, a doctor might misdiagnose legitimate breast cancer as something more benign – and this mistake can be fatal.
- Colorectal Cancer: Colorectal cancer is also a common source of misdiagnosis. Often, patients will bring up issues like rectal bleeding with their doctors. If the doctor fails to sufficiently investigate this issue, the colorectal cancer could become much worse – to the point where it is life-threatening.
- Skin Issues: Our skin often provides warning signs of serious health issues. What seems like a simple rash may indicate the presence of a life-threatening illness. Another common source of misdiagnosis is skin cancer, which is often confused with less serious issues.
- Vascular Events: Various medical sources state that “vascular events” are commonly misdiagnosed in the United States. Examples of these events include heart attacks and strokes. The symptoms of a heart attack or stroke are relatively easy to spot, and there is no real excuse for a doctor who misses these telltale signs. Again, this form of misdiagnosis can easily prove fatal.
- Vision Problems: Various vision issues are misdiagnosed. What seems like pink-eye or a stye may be a much more serious issue. If left untreated, these problems can cause patients to become permanently blind. But more seriously, vision issues could be a sign or symptom of a condition much worse, such as a brain tumor or, if sudden, a stroke.
- Infections: Infections, such as meningitis, are often misdiagnosed. While the symptoms of meningitis can mimick those of a viral illness, doctors are trained to rule out the worst potential illness, first. Assuming that someone has a viral illness, opposed to meningitis, especially in a child, without first performing some type of objective testing to rule out meningitis, can be deadly.
Is Misdiagnosis Medical Negligence?
The medical community recognizes that doctors should not be held accountable for innocent mistakes and oversights. Their profession is challenging, and it may be difficult to sue doctors for some types of misdiagnosis. If you’re wondering whether your misdiagnosis will lead to a medical malpractice lawsuit, you might want to discuss your circumstances with a lawyer.
Clear and obvious errors should lead to successful medical malpractice lawsuits. A doctor may also be liable if they failed to follow standard medical testing procedures when diagnosing a patient. For example, breast cancer diagnosis protocols may include regular physical examinations and mammograms. It may help to take photographs of your physical symptoms if you have them. Your lawyer can help you access your medical records, and this may provide evidence of a doctor’s missed or misdiagnosis.
Can a Medical Malpractice Lawyer in Ohio Help With Misdiagnosis Lawsuits?
If you have experienced medical malpractice, misdiagnosis lawyers in Ohio may be able to help.
Although doctors might get away with minor mistakes, there is no real excuse for misdiagnosing major illnesses or injuries.
If your symptoms became notably worse because of a misdiagnosis in Ohio, you may be able to pursue legal action and compensation for your damages. These damages might include increased medical costs, lost wages, emotional distress, and much more. To discuss your legal options in more detail, contact Tittle & Perlmuter today.
