Baton Rouge Misdiagnosis Lawyer
If a doctor’s failure to diagnose or deviation from accepted standards caused you injury or the wrongful death of a loved one, then call the attorneys at Murray Law today to schedule your free initial consultation. We fight hard to hold doctors, hospitals and other healthcare professionals responsible for the harm and pain they caused.
Identifying Cases of Misdiagnosis
Some problems in the body present similar symptoms as other conditions, for example, heart attacks, anxiety, and heartburn. Depending on what organ or system is involved, the patient could have multiple symptoms overlapping. It’s normal for a doctor to not know what is happening at first and to consider every diagnosis possible, but they should ask the right questions and order tests to narrow down potential diagnoses.
A doctor’s failure to accurately interpret a test result, screen for hereditary condition or provide an appropriate specialist referral puts the patient at risk of prolonged illness and worsening of their condition.
Can You Sue for Misdiagnosis?
When a doctor fails to accurately identify and promptly treat an injury or an illness, order medical tests or pay attention to the patient’s symptoms, then the patient or their family can sue the doctor or hospital in a medical malpractice claim. Our Baton Rouge misdiagnosis lawyers will review the evidence in your case and determine if you have a valid claim. If so, then we advise you of your rights, tell you about the process of filing a claim and what participation we need from you.
How Do You Prove Misdiagnosis?
Our Baton Rouge lawyers fight to prove the following in your misdiagnosis case:
- A doctor-patient relationship was established between you and the doctor or other healthcare professional you are bringing the misdiagnosis claim against.
- The doctor failed to follow the accepted standards of care.
- Negligence on the part of the doctor caused injury to the patient.
- The patient’s injuries resulted in damages, such as medical bills.
What Is Considered a Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis?
These terms are used interchangeably but are slightly different. A misdiagnosis is a wrong diagnosis, whereas a delayed diagnosis is a late diagnosis. A failure to diagnose correctly or on time can reduce how much precious time a person has to live. A failure to diagnose can also make the patient vulnerable to injury by being prescribed a potent medication that may not even be necessary.
An example of this type of malpractice is when an emergency room physician fails to diagnose a heart attack, compartment syndrome, blood clot or other life-threatening condition
Doctors can also be sued for malpractice if they correctly identify the condition but failed to properly prescribe an appropriate drug that any other doctor would have prescribed in the same circumstances.
What Is the Most Common Misdiagnosis?
Misdiagnosis of cancer is the most common, followed by failure to diagnose infections and vascular problems. The most common conditions misdiagnosed by doctors in the emergency room are strokes, aortic aneurysms, and heart attacks.
What Can I Do If a Doctor Misdiagnosed Me?
Request a copy of your medical records right away, and then call (225) 396-5143 to talk to one of our Baton Rouge personal injury attorneys about the next steps you should take to recover damages.
How Our Attorneys Can Help You
At Murray Law, we fight for those who have suffered needlessly from misdiagnosis. Your initial consultation with one of Baton Rouge medical malpractice and wrongful death attorneys is absolutely free. We handle each case personally. If you are wondering how you will pay for future medical care after you were harmed by a doctor’s misdiagnosis, then call for (225) 396-5143 for medical malpractice attorneys Baton Rouge.