The last thing a person wants to hear is that they have contracted a certain infection, illness, or other medical condition. Just the thought of not being able to perform the same tasks as usually consumes anyone with fear. Even more frightening is that the physician failed to properly diagnose their condition or couldn’t come to a finding. When this happens, the person will be unable to receive the treatment they need for their condition and time becomes of an essence, especially if that medical condition can be deadly if not treated in time like pneumonia or cancer. Even with all of the technological advancements in medicine, problems with diagnosis continues to be a major issue in the medical field. Doctors are unable to determine exactly what condition a patient has or they are confusing their condition for another similar one. This medical negligence could be detrimental for anyone suffering from a medical condition that needs swift treatment, and even for those who have a condition that is not as severe, delaying the treatment can further expand the force of the condition.
It has been found that there are certain medical problems that tend to have issues with its diagnoses like breast cancer, pneumonia, appendicitis, and other forms of cancer. These are all conditions that can skill an individual if not treated. St. Petersburg’s competent attorneys for failure to diagnose/ misdiagnosis understand the severe consequences that can come from this medical negligence. It is imperative to consult with a medical malpractice attorney in St. Petersburg that will be able to break down the case and determine how valid the case will be.
Why Does It Occur So Frequently?
Misdiagnosis has grown to become a real issue in the medical field. It happens on a daily basis, but why? Here are some origins as to why:
- Similar symptoms
- Inexperienced doctor with the condition
- Not screening patient beforehand
- Not ordering all possible tests
Data on Misdiagnosis in the U.S
- Every year, there are about 12 million Americans who have their condition misdiagnosed
- Misdiagnosis is a large portion of medical malpractice claims
- Appendicitis misdiagnosis in children can amount to 57%]
- It has been found that a misdiagnosis or a delayed diagnosis will happen at least once in a person’s lifetime
Get it Right!
When medical professionals do not get the condition right, the patient is the one who will have to suffer the consequences of that action. They might face a road of more damage, or they may die from a lack of diagnosis. Professional assistance can be provided by a lawyer from the St. Petersburg firm of Percy Martinez for misdiagnosis and failure to diagnose malpractice to the victim of the medical negligence that caused their diagnostic malpractice.