Being a medical professional isn’t easy. It doesn’t matter whether we are talking about a surgeon, nurse, general practitioner, or another type of specialist—every day, they are expected to assess symptoms, order the proper tests, piece everything together to form a diagnosis, and provide their patients with the highest standards of care in a fast-paced, ever-evolving environment. Often, they must make life-saving decisions based on limited information, with no room for error. That’s a heavy burden—and while most rise to the challenge, mistakes still happen. And when those mistakes involve a misdiagnosis, the consequences can be devastating.

In simple terms, a misdiagnosis occurs when a doctor fails to accurately recognize the exact condition or illness their patient is experiencing. Sometimes, a misdiagnosis can be corrected quickly, and no one is impacted. At other times, failing to meet the accepted standard of care can make them legally responsible for medical negligence.

The result? Everything from delayed or incorrect treatment to serious health complications, permanent injury, or even wrongful death.

When Does a Misdiagnosis Become Medical Negligence, and What Are a Few Examples?

Not every misdiagnosis or even a delayed diagnosis qualifies as negligence. Often, different viruses, illnesses, and injuries share overlapping symptoms, and determining a correct diagnosis can involve a lengthy process of ruling out potential conditions through a series of tests and consulting with various specialists to identify exactly what is wrong with someone.

Unfortunately, medical errors (such as a misdiagnosis) due to negligence happen more often than you think and can lead to a malpractice suit. The National Library of Medicine defines medical malpractice as “any act or omission by a physician during treatment of a patient that deviates from accepted norms of practice in the medical community and causes an injury to the patient.”

Generally speaking, for a misdiagnosis claim to hold legal weight, the patient must show that a provider-patient relationship existed and that the provider failed to meet the accepted standard of care. Furthermore, they must show that as a result of their misdiagnosis, harm was caused and that damages occurred (example: worsening health, disability, emotional distress, etc.).

While misdiagnosis claims can get pretty complex, a few basic examples of misdiagnosis in medical negligence cases include:

A doctor mistakes chest pain for indigestion rather than a potential heart attack.
A medical professional treats a patient for a migraine when they’re having a stroke.
A patient is misdiagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome when they have colon cancer.
A fracture is dismissed as a sprain, leading to improper healing and more pain.
A ruptured appendix is mistaken for a stomach bug.
A patient is treated for the flu when they have meningitis.
A patient with Type 1 diabetes is misdiagnosed with a viral illness.

Unfortunately, medical errors are one of the leading causes of death in the United States, with numbers varying between roughly 250,000 and 400,000 per year. Even if a mistake or negligence does not lead to a fatality, it can cause serious harm to patients, including long-term injuries, disabilities, and other impairments.

If you or a loved one has experienced an injury, illness, or fatality due to a doctor’s error or negligence, you need an attorney specializing in medical malpractice claims. We know how to navigate the complex laws and regulations that govern the healthcare industry, and we will use this knowledge to hold medical professionals and facilities accountable for any negligence, misdiagnosis, or malpractice that may have caused your injuries.

Call Keys Law Offices Today!!

At Keys Law, we are dedicated to representing victims of medical malpractice and their families. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. We will fight tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve. We will handle all aspects of your case, from negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court, if necessary. We understand that the legal process can be overwhelming, particularly for those navigating the aftermath of medical malpractice. That is why we will keep you informed every step of the way, so you always know what is happening with your case.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for a free consultation.

Our staff is always available. Call us today!