A few common medical diagnostic mistakes can lead to medical malpractice claims when patients suffer while in the care of health care professionals. The most common misdiagnoses in Massachusetts and the rest of the United States relate to congestive heart failure, pneumonia, cancer, kidney failure and UTIs.
What causes diagnostic errors?
Some of the main causes of medical diagnosis mistakes are due to overconfidence, anchoring errors and personal biases about patients. Doctors may misread test results or fail to order the correct tests, leading to a misdiagnosis and failure to administer helpful treatment in time.
How to avoid medical diagnostic mistakes
If you don’t want to become a victim of medical diagnostic mistakes, it’s important to always get a second opinion before moving forward with treatment. You’ll want to ask a lot of questions and discuss why your doctor believes that you have a certain condition or injury. Your doctor wants to avoid medical mistakes as much as you do, so make sure to communicate all your concerns.
Who can you contact for legal assistance?
If you believe you’re a victim of a medical misdiagnosis, it’s important to contact an attorney to see whether you can pursue compensation. An attorney with experience in medical malpractice cases may review the details and evidence to determine how much you might be eligible for to pay for medical bills, lost wages and emotional trauma.
A medical malpractice attorney might offer their services for cases related to wrongful death, spinal cord injuries, pregnancy errors and birth injuries. They may inform you of your rights and walk you through each step of the legal process to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
