There can be serious consequences for patients who are not diagnosed in a timely manner or are misdiagnosed with the wrong condition due to the negligence or incompetence of physicians, nurses, or other members of a hospital staff. Patients can see their symptoms worsen and may acquire new injuries as a result, or even die due to this type of medical malpractice.
An estimated 40,000 people die due to misdiagnosis or a delay in diagnosis of their condition each year. A misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis can lead to a range of additional health complications for patients who may already be experiencing serious symptoms linked to an illness. Among the most commonly reported types of misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis are:
- Patients not being admitted to hospitals for a serious condition
- Doctors and nurses not recognizing or overlooking serious symptoms
- Necessary tests not being administered
- Dismissing complaints or concerns voiced by patients
Sometimes medical care facilities experience understaffing, overcrowding, under trained staff, funding issues, and other problems that hinder their ability to provide adequate care to patients. These factors can lead to a breach of duty to patients and endanger their well-being. Hospitals or other medical care providers are responsible for a patient’s serious injuries if these or other negligent actions contribute to their harm.
A medical malpractice lawyer can help those who have been injured as a result of a misdiagnosis or delay in diagnosis. Whether one has a life-threatening condition that progresses past the point of being treatable and is undiagnosed after one seeks medical care, or experiences other issues such as undergoing unnecessary procedures to treat a condition they do not have, they may be entitled to damages from health care providers who are responsible for what they have endured.
The Life Care Solutions Group is available to provide individuals with information pertaining to life care planning for Los Angeles medical malpractice claims. Contact us today for more information about how we may be able to provide support for your needs.
