There's doctors for every kind of body part and every kind of disease, but what all of them have in common, the chief skill that every physician is trained in, is diagnosis. The ability to correctly identify an illness or ailment is why we turn to doctors when we're sick. Doctors aren't perfect, of course; sometimes they'll get it wrong or have to engage in trial-and-error medicine. The law recognizes that.
But where does that leave you?
Seeking Treatment After an Incorrect Diagnosis
If you were offered a wrong diagnosis and you don't feel the doctor is adequately addressing your problems, the first thing to do is find a physician you can trust. Get referred to a specialist if you can, but if not, find someone who can offer a second opinion and get your care on the right track.
However, if your condition is worsening and you're running out of time, consider calling a medical malpractice lawyer.
Wrong Diagnosis & Medical Malpractice
The most common and preventable form of medical malpractice is a missed or incorrect diagnosis. However, not every misdiagnosis is an act of negligence. Typically, malpractice only extends to a failed diagnosis that fails the standard of care. In other words, if your doctor missed a diagnosis that any reasonable physician would have identified, then they've behaved negligently.
The reason failed diagnosis is such a massive act of negligence is that diagnosis forms the basis for care. An incorrect diagnosis means incorrect treatment, which ultimately can lead to someone's harm or preventable death.
Calling a medical malpractice lawyer would not only uncover any wrongdoing on your physician's part, but it would also give you access to medical resources so you can address your actual problem. Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC has won tens of millions for our clients to get them the care and attention they needed; speak with us if you want to know what to do next.
If you received an incorrect diagnosis, call (888) 498-3023 to learn your options.