According to a 2014 study by the BMJ medical journal, nearly 1 in 20 adults in the United States are misdiagnosed every year. Misdiagnosis can prevent a patient from obtaining the correct treatment, causing injuries. Three commonly misdiagnosed conditions are:
- myocardial infarction: Many patients who have suffered an acute myocardial infarction (otherwise known as a heart attack) are misdiagnosed and sent home with a diagnosis of "non-cardiac chest pain" such as musculoskeletal pain or gastrointestinal problems. Failing to diagnose a myocardial infarction can result in heart failure, cardiac arrest, and/or death.
- breast cancer: If a doctor fails to order proper studies, a failure to diagnose breast cancer is more likely. Breast cancer is best treated if detected early and the use of mammography, breast ultrasounds, and breast biopsies can assist your doctor in obtaining the correct diagnosis.
- appendicitis: Appendicitis occurs when your appendix becomes blocked and infected by bacteria. Signs of appendicitis include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain. Failure to diagnose appendicitis could result in rupture, infection, and other injury.
Lawsuits against healthcare providers for misdiagnosing conditions are common. Doctors can be sued for failing to diagnose a condition, if the misdiagnosis caused harm to the patient. If you believe that you were injured as a result of misdiagnosis by a doctor, you may be entitled to money damages.
An experienced medical malpractice lawyer will be able to assess whether you have potential case.
If you or a loved one believes that you have been misdiagnosed by a healthcare provider, contact the Law Firm of Scott D. Hughes. We can give you a free consultation over the phone and are happy to listen.