Accurate and timely diagnosis is a cornerstone of effective medical practice, ensuring patients receive the appropriate treatment for their conditions before their conditions worsen. Healthcare providers owe their patients a duty of care encompassing precision and attentiveness in diagnosing medical issues.

When this duty is breached, it can lead to significant harm or death. In some cases, it constitutes medical negligence. If you or a loved one has suffered due to a diagnostic error, contact Fieger Law’s experienced Michigan medical malpractice lawyers to explore your legal options and protect your rights.

Types of Diagnostic Errors

Several types of diagnostic errors can lead to medical negligence. The following offers insights into these errors and real-life case studies to show the impact on patients:

Diagnostic Error Patient Outcomes Legal Consequences Examples
Missed or Delayed Diagnoses Occurs when a condition is overlooked or diagnosed late, leading to disease progression and reduced recovery chances. Medical professionals may face lawsuits for negligence or malpractice. A 31-year-old woman presented to the Emergency Department (ED) with shortness of breath and was found to have a collapsed lung. She was treated and discharged without proper follow-up. After experiencing this several more times, she was eventually diagnosed with cystic lung disease.
Incorrect Interpretations of Test Results Happens when test results are misread, leading to incorrect treatments that can worsen the condition or cause new issues. Claims of malpractice can arise, particularly if the error deviates from accepted medical practices. A 63-year-old patient presented to the ED with gastrointestinal symptoms and was discharged with a diagnosis of viral gastroenteritis, but a radiologist later noted a potential lung mass that was not communicated to the ED physician. Three years later, the patient was diagnosed with stage III non-small cell carcinoma, which had become inoperable and eventually metastasized to his brain, leading to his death despite aggressive treatment.

 
Failure to Consider Alternative Diagnosis Involves overlooking potential causes for symptoms, leading to ineffective treatment and progression of the actual disease. Healthcare providers may be sued for failing to perform comprehensive evaluations. Beginning in her teenage years, a woman experienced woozy spells after physical activity, which were consistently attributed to stress or panic attacks without further investigation. Her symptoms persisted until an exercise treadmill test at age 40 revealed a heart arrhythmia, highlighting the failure to consider alternative diagnoses and gender bias in attributing cardiac symptoms to psychiatric causes.
Inadequate Communication Among Healthcare Professionals Poor coordination among medical staff can lead to contradictory care approaches, compromising treatment effectiveness and safety. Legal consequences often involve multiple parties within the healthcare system. A 60-year-old woman was found to have a right breast mass during a routine visit, which was deemed “probably benign” by a radiologist, leading to a recommendation for follow-up imaging in six months. However, inadequate communication among healthcare professionals regarding the need for a biopsy and referral to a breast surgeon resulted in a significant delay, during which the mass grew and eventually was diagnosed as metastatic breast cancer.

If you or a loved one suffered further medical harm due to a medical diagnosis error, contact Fieger Law. Our experienced attorneys can gather proof of medical negligence and help your family seek compensation for medical care, assistive equipment, and pain and suffering.

Your Healthcare Providers Owe You Competent Care

You deserve vigilance, thoroughness, and effective communication throughout the diagnostic process when receiving care from healthcare providers.

This medical attention includes carefully evaluating your symptoms to understand the underlying issues thoroughly. It also involves considering all possible diagnoses to ensure no potential conditions are overlooked.

Timely ordering and interpretation of tests are crucial to accurately identifying the problem. Additionally, you have a right to clear and consistent communication among all healthcare professionals involved in your care to provide a cohesive and effective treatment plan.

If you feel that your care was compromised and it led to harm, contact Fieger Law to discuss your case. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and fighting for the financial support you deserve.

Advocating for Your Healthcare Needs and Rights

When receiving medical care, advocating for your healthcare needs and rights is crucial. Speak up about your symptoms and concerns, and ask questions if something is unclear. Ensure you understand your diagnosis and treatment options.

Here are a few tips for protecting your patient rights:

  • Keep detailed records of your medical history, symptoms, and treatments.
  • Request a second opinion if you’re uncertain about a diagnosis or treatment plan.
  • Confirm follow-up appointments and test results to stay informed about your care.
  • Communicate your preferences and concerns clearly with your healthcare providers.
  • Bring a trusted friend or family member to appointments for support and to help remember information.

Choose Fieger Law and Get the Compensation You Deserve

Diagnostic errors can have devastating impacts on patient health and lead to legal consequences for healthcare providers. If you or a loved one has been affected by a diagnostic error, contact Fieger Law today for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.

With our experience and proven track record, including one of the largest birth injury awards in the U.S., Fieger Law is your trusted partner in seeking the compensation you deserve.