Receiving a correct diagnosis for cancer or other serious medical condition is critical especially if a condition or cancer is wrongly diagnosed, treatment is often delayed or incorrect. This error can cause catastrophic results for the patient, ranging from increased health complications because of improper treatment, to death from lack of proper care.
When a medical professional fails to properly diagnose and treat a condition that is life-threatening or severe, this person may be liable for harm caused to the patient.
Commonly Misdiagnosed Illnesses
Some illnesses and conditions are easier to recognize and diagnose than others. According to AARP.org, the following are some commonly misdiagnosed illnesses.
- Lupus
- Parkinson’s disease
- Fibromyalgia
- Lyme disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Celiac disease
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
All of the above are considered very serious health conditions. Lyme disease, for example, can cause permanent damage to the heart, joints, and nervous system. Lupus is also dangerous; it is an autoimmune disease that attacks healthy tissues and organs in the body.
Cancer, like the above conditions, is also a very severe illness. Like the conditions above, certain forms of cancer are often commonly misdiagnosed.
Find a Personal Injury Lawyer, Near Me
(855) 529-0269Dangers of Misdiagnosing Cancer or a Serious Medical Condition
Properly diagnosing cancer and other serious medical conditions is pertinent to a patient’s health. When a condition is misdiagnosed, a patient is often put in danger of severe health repercussions.
The most obvious reason that a misdiagnosis is dangerous is that it prevents a patient from receiving the care that needed in order to treat the condition. For example, a patient with cancer may need to start on chemotherapy immediately in order to get treat the cancer; if the cancer is misdiagnosed, though, chemotherapy may not be administered, leading to the cancer’s spread through the body.
The second, and less obvious, reason that misdiagnosis can be extremely dangerous is that in some cases, a patient will begin undergoing treatment for an illness that one does not have. For example, a patient may experience the severe side effects of chemotherapy if misdiagnosed with cancer, when in actuality not having cancer.
Who’s liable for harm caused by a misdiagnosis?
Medical professionals have a duty to provide their patients with a high standard of care. If a healthcare professional misdiagnoses an illness or a cancer because he or she failed to exercise proper care, run specific laboratory work, perform certain examinations, or anything else that would be considered reasonable by the medical community, then he or she may be liable for any injuries that resulted from the misdiagnosis.
If a medical professional is sued for misdiagnosis in a medical malpractice claim, and is found to have acted negligently, then the victim can reclaim damages for economic and noneconomic losses.
This includes medical costs to address the harm related to the misdiagnosis, as well as any lost wages and other costs or losses that result. Pain and suffering damages may also be recoverable.
Click to contact Chalik & Chalik's personal injury lawyers today
Contact a Medical Malpractice Attorney from Chalik & Chalik
The medical malpractice attorneys at Chalik & Chalik can help you recover compensation for injuries you or a deceased love one sustained as a result of a misdiagnosis of a medical condition or cancer. At our law offices, our attorneys have the resources available to ensure your case is handled fairly, professionally, and with the utmost care. If you’re ready to speak with an attorney today, call us now for a free case consultation. You can reach us at 855-529-0269, or use our online contact form to set up your appointment.
Call or text Chalik & Chalik
(855) 529-0269
The Facts About Preterm Labor Malpractice
Full term pregnancy normally lasts 39 to 40 weeks. However, circumstances do exist where babies are born early, doctors call these premature births. Babies can survive outside the womb as early as 24 weeks, but they face many challenges on their way to heading home. While there are many natural reasons for a baby to...
Outcome of a South Florida Doctor Failing to Diagnose Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia, also known as pregnancy-induced hypertension, affects a little over 5% of pregnancies in this nation. It can cause harm to the expectant mother as well as to the unborn child. Preeclampsia generally shows up around the 20th week of pregnancy and is often identified by protein in the mother’s urine and high blood pressure....
When Patients Suffer Injuries from Medication Errors
Patients rely on their doctors and pharmacists to provide them with the right medications in the proper dosages, and to inform them of any possible drug interactions. Unfortunately, prescription errors are not uncommon and wind up harming numerous patients each year. When a patient is harmed because of a careless mistake by a physician, nurse,...
Rejection of arbitration agreement in medical malpractice case
In December of 2016, the Florida Supreme Court issued a rejection of an arbitration agreement in a medical malpractice case regarding a stillborn infant. As reported by News 4 Jax, in their decision, justices stated that an arbitration agreement that was signed by Lualhati Crespo, whose son was stillborn, and the physician group Women’s Care...
Examining Cruise Ship Medical Malpractice
Cruise lines generally have medical staff on each ship to ensure all passengers can receive prompt treatment for illness or injuries. However, like doctors and trained care providers on land, cruise ship medical staff can act negligently and commit malpractice. If you or a loved one suffered preventable injuries or harm because of a careless...
How to File a Dental Malpractice Claim in Florida
If you or someone you love suffered an injury during a dental procedure, you might be able to seek compensation—but only if the dental professional was negligent. However, to file a dental malpractice claim in Florida, you must do so before the filing deadline passes and obtain a Certificate of Merit attesting to the substandard...
How do I Know If I Have a Medical Malpractice Case?
It is more common than you might think for people to be unsure whether they are victims of medical malpractice. The only way you can win a medical malpractice lawsuit is by proving that a medical error was made or medical negligence occurred. Unfortunately, it may not always be clear whether these mistakes occurred. With...
Can I Sue a Plastic Surgeon for Medical Malpractice in Florida?
Few experiences can be as distressing as facing complications after a plastic surgery procedure. Such incidents can leave lasting scars, both physical and emotional, and deeply affect the victim or the victim’s family. One of the best ways to navigate these turbulent waters is by securing the guidance of a Florida medical malpractice lawyer. At...