If you’ve recently seen a doctor over the last year or two, you most likely believed that they had your best interests in mind. Though generally, this is the case, there are plenty of doctors who do not act as responsibly as they are legally required, either out of carelessness, maliciousness, or sheer incompetence. No matter the cause, if your medical condition has worsened because of a physician’s failure to diagnose it in a timely fashion, you most likely qualify for compensation. Our New Jersey diagnosis errors lawyers can help. Here are some of the questions you may have:
What are some examples of failure to diagnose cases?
This mistake, as well as so many others, is most frequently a result of negligence. Failing to order proper testing, failing to adequately interpret certain test results, and ignoring patients’ complaints or observations frequently result in failing to diagnose medical conditions on time.
What happens when a doctor does not diagnose a medical condition?
Many conditions require timely treatment. When a doctor delays his/her diagnosis, the window of treatment may expire, thereby causing the condition to progress into a potentially untreatable form. This is devastating to individuals and families across the country, and sometimes, this mistake can result in permanent health complications, and, in the worst cases, death. If you or a loved one has recently had this happen to you, you know where to turn.
Can I sue my doctor for taking too long to diagnose my medical condition?
Fortunately, in many cases, you can. However, you will first have to hire an attorney who knows the ins and outs of the medical malpractice claims process. First, you will have to prove that you were, in fact, the doctor’s patient. From here, you and your attorney will have to demonstrate that your doctor breached his/her duty of care by failing to diagnose your medical condition as soon as the majority of other doctors reasonably would have, causing your condition to worsen, and resulting in significant financial damages.
In New Jersey, you should note that individuals only have two years from the date of the incident to take legal action against their doctor for a delayed diagnosis. That is why it is always best to file sooner, rather than later. Our firm can begin the claims process immediately on your behalf–all you have to do is ask.
