Misdiagnosis
Monroe Misdiagnosis Lawyer
Misdiagnosis, Delayed Diagnosis & Failure to Diagnose in Louisiana
When you begin experiencing adverse symptoms, you trust that your doctor will provide an accurate, timely diagnosis so that you can begin receiving the care you need. Unfortunately, diagnostic errors are some of the most common mistakes made in medical settings—and the consequences can be disastrous.
When patients do not receive the correct diagnosis, or when their diagnosis is delayed, they may receive the wrong treatment with their actual condition going untreated. This can lead to serious injury, worsened condition, and life-threatening complications. Sadly, many patients die due to misdiagnoses and delayed diagnoses.
If you were harmed or if someone you love died because of a medical provider’s negligence, reach out to Parker Alexander to discuss your case with one of our award-winning Monroe misdiagnosis attorneys. With decades of legal experience and a proven record of millions recovered for our clients, we have earned a reputation in our community for client-focused representation and aggressive advocacy. We are ready to put our experience, resources, and reputation on your side.
Contact us online or call our office at (318) 625-6262 today to get started with a free, no-risk consultation.
What Is Considered a Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis?
Misdiagnosis occurs when a medical professional provides a diagnosis that ends up being incorrect. The treating physician may provide the initial diagnosis based on improperly performed diagnostic tests, misreading of test results, or simply a misanalysis of the patient’s symptoms.
Delayed diagnosis occurs when a medical provider fails to offer a diagnosis in a timely manner. This might occur because the medical provider does not properly assess the seriousness of the patient’s symptoms, delays diagnostic testing, fails to notify the patient of test results, or sends the patient home without a diagnosis.
To have grounds for a medical malpractice case, you must prove that the doctor who treated you failed to uphold the standard of acceptable care. This typically involves examining what another qualified medical provider would have or wouldn’t have done in the same or similar circumstances and determining whether the treating physician deviated from this standard.
For example, if your doctor ordered a series of tests based on your symptoms but was unable to provide a diagnosis and, therefore, referred you to a specialist, this does not necessarily constitute negligence. In fact, the doctor could reasonably argue that he or she did everything within reason to provide a diagnosis. However, if your doctor failed to take your symptoms seriously, did not order any diagnostic tests, or did not correctly read the results of those tests, you may have grounds for a misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis claim.
What Is the Most Common Misdiagnosis?
While any injury, illness, or condition can go undiagnosed, medical providers miss some more than others.
According to a study by John Hopkins University, the most common misdiagnoses in the United States (labeled the “big three”) are:
- Cancer – 37.8%
- Vascular events – 22.8%
- Infections – 13.5%
Misdiagnosis of these conditions was most commonly associated with serious and permanent disability and/or death.
The study further identified some of the most commonly misdiagnosed conditions in each of the “big three” categories, including:
- Stroke
- Sepsis
- Lung cancer
- Heart attack
- Breast cancer
- Colon cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Skin cancer
- Venous thromboembolism
- Aortic aneurysm and dissection
- Arterial thromboembolism
- Meningitis
- Encephalitis
- Spinal infection
- Pneumonia
- Endocarditis
Alarmingly, the research shows that the most common cause of misdiagnosis is poor clinical judgment, accounting for more than 85% of misdiagnosis cases studied.
What Can I Do If a Doctor Misdiagnosed Me?
If you believe you received an incorrect diagnosis from your doctor, or if your diagnosis was delayed, you may be entitled to bring a lawsuit against your doctor or another liable party, such as the hospital that employs the doctor. It is important that you first seek appropriate medical care—do not be afraid to seek a second or third opinion. Make sure you get the treatment you need, then contact an attorney who can help you understand your legal rights and options.
At Parker Alexander, we understand how devastating these events are; when you do not receive a correct or timely diagnosis, you cannot receive critical medical care. This can lead to permanent, irreversible harm. Our Monroe misdiagnosis attorneys work tirelessly to hold negligent medical professionals accountable and fight for justice for our clients.
We can help you seek the financial compensation you need and are owed for your current and future medical care costs, current and future lost wages, and current and future pain and suffering.
Call Parker Alexander for a No-Risk Consultation
Our team is ready to answer your questions and guide you through the legal process. We are committed to providing our clients with the personal attention and focused representation they deserve. To that end, we offer same-day appointments, including weekend and evening appointments by request. We are also available to visit you in your home or at the hospital to discuss your case if you are unable to travel to our office.
For a complimentary consultation and case evaluation, please call us at (318) 625-6262 or contact us online today.
