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What is medical misdiagnosis, and how does it happen?

On Behalf of | Mar 13, 2023 | Medical Malpractice

Cases involving medical missteps can have far-reaching consequences. If you sustain injuries courtesy of the healthcare provider’s mistake, you may be eligible for compensation for the resulting economic and non-economic damages through a medical malpractice lawsuit. 

Medical practitioners owe their patient’s a great deal of responsibility. A minor mistake can lead to life-altering injuries or even death. One of the most common mistakes healthcare providers make while handling their patients is medical misdiagnosis

Understanding medical misdiagnosis

Basically, a misdiagnosis happens when a healthcare provider fails to accurately diagnose the patient’s condition. It can either be the result of a wrong or a delayed diagnosis and is mostly attributable to the healthcare provider’s fault. Misdiagnosis can lead to a needless deterioration of the patient’s health. It can also result in extra time and effort to treat the patient. And in a worst-case scenario, it can lead to wrongful death. 

Several factors can lead to a misdiagnosis. Here are the most common ones:

  • Incompetence: When a healthcare provider does not have the appropriate skills to collect and analyze specimens from the patient, they are likely to make diagnostic mistakes.
  • Lack of diagnostic testing: Some conditions require more than a single diagnosis to ascertain. When a healthcare provider fails to conduct or recommend appropriate tests, the may put the patient’s health at risk.
  • Overassurance: Sometimes doctors are 100% convinced they’re right – so they resist the idea of sending a patient to a specialist when they should. That can be a disaster.

If your condition deteriorates due to a misdiagnosis, you deserve justice. Knowing your legal rights and obligations can be key to successfully pursuing compensation for the resulting damages.