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Belleville Failure to Diagnose Lawyer

Every day Americans make a trip to their doctor or local hospital with a complaint regarding pain or discomfort that they cannot treat themselves. We rely on healthcare providers to properly diagnose diseases or ailments, and then prescribe the appropriate treatment so we can recover. In most cases, they do a terrific job. In some tragic cases, however, doctors or hospital employees fail to properly recognize the signs or symptoms of a disease or ailment, and it causes irreparable or fatal injuries to the patient.

If you experienced harm due to a medical provider’s failure to properly diagnose your condition, our Belleville medical malpractice attorneys at The Cates Law Firm, LLC understand that you may be confused about what to do next. We can help you determine if a medical malpractice claim is in your best interests. Call us today at 618-277-3644 to find out how we can help you.

Common Situations That Lead to Failure to Diagnose a Health Condition

A failure to diagnose is actually a catch-all term which is used to describe a number of different types of medical negligence. It also includes failure to identify a condition, mistaken diagnoses, and delayed diagnosis situations, all of which can lead to health complications.

A failure to diagnose case may apply to nearly any specialty or medical field. For example, a patient who presents to a cardiologist with complaints of chest pain and tingling in the extremities, but whom is sent home without further testing and later succumbs to the heart attack he was having may have a claim against that doctor for a failure to diagnose his condition. As another example, a patient who presents with a misshapen and discolored mole, which is not tested but is later found to be cancerous, could have a case.

Below are few types of diseases or processes which are often misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or not recognized until the disease has already progressed and caused widespread injury or damage:

  • Asthma
  • Cancer
  • Depression
  • Diabetes
  • Heart Attack / Heart Disease
  • High Cholesterol
  • Infection
  • Internal Bleeding
  • Kidney (other organ) Diseases
  • Organ / Bowel Obstructions
  • Osteoporosis

Factors That Cause Failure to Diagnose Conditions

There are a multitude of factors which could lead to a missed diagnosis. Some of the errors which care providers make include:

  • Failure to recognize symptomology
  • Failure to perform differential diagnosis
  • Failure to order proper scans, labs or other tests
  • Failure to properly read ordered scan, labs, or other tests
  • Unfamiliarity with the disease and its processes
  • Improperly accredited or credentialed care provider

It can be difficult to prove that a medical provider committed one of these acts or omissions that resulted in your injuries. Evidence must often include expert opinions and second medical opinions. The Cates Law Firm, LLC has experience working with medical experts and providers to obtain the necessary information. We will deal with the legal issues while you focus on your recovery.

Failure to Diagnose Health Conditions Can Lead to Further Injury

Medical providers are not infallible. They make mistakes. Such medical negligence can cause severe injuries that are greater than would have occurred if they had upheld the proper standard of care.

A non-exhaustive list of possible misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose injuries includes:

You May be Able to Recover Compensation

A misdiagnosis or a failure to diagnose a condition can have serious consequences for the patient. A serious injury is often times just the beginning. An injured patient or their family has to not only worry about recovering from that injury, but the costs of medical treatment and lost time at work, among other expenses. It can be an overwhelming experience.

Our attorneys are well versed in the law which applies to medical malpractice, having won several significant verdicts and settlements. Many people are unaware that a patient injured by medical negligence can recover for past and future losses associated with the following:

  • Disability
  • Disfigurement
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of quality of life or loss of a normal life
  • Medical expenses
  • Pain and suffering
  • Wage loss

The Cates Law Firm, LLC will investigate your case, obtain expert opinions, file a lawsuit on your behalf, and represent your rights in court, if necessary. We will do whatever it takes to help you obtain the maximum possible recovery in your case.

Belleville Medical Malpractice Lawyers at The Cates Law Firm, LLC Represent Victims of Misdiagnosis/Failure to Diagnose

At The Cates Law Firm, LLC, we strive to ensure that every victim, and, if appropriate, their loved ones, receive compensation for losses associated with their injuries. If you or loved one has been seriously injured as a result of a missed diagnosis or other form of medical malpractice, we are here to help with your claim. Please give us a call today at 618-277-3644 for a no cost, no obligation consultation, or use the online contact form and let us know how we can help you.