Michigan Misdiagnosis Lawyers
Fighting for Victims of Missed and Delayed Diagnoses
Doctors and other medical professionals have a duty to provide a reasonable standard of care to their patients. Part of this duty includes correctly diagnosing illnesses and conditions within a reasonable length of time. Whether it is missed, delayed, or simply incorrect, a wrong diagnosis can prove devastating, as early detection and treatment is key in overcoming many diseases.
When doctors are negligent in diagnosing an illness or disease — either by failing to diagnose or misdiagnosing a condition — patients and their families may be able to take legal action to recover compensation for their damages. At Grewal Law PLLC, our seasoned medical malpractice attorneys can apply over 100 years of experience to your misdiagnosis claim in Michigan. By investigating the cause of your injuries and relying on expert testimony to build a case, we will serve as committed advocates for your rights.
To learn more, contact the delayed diagnosis lawyers at Grewal Law PLLC for a free consultation. Call us at (888) 211-5798 today.
What Counts as Misdiagnosis?
Diagnostic errors come in many forms, from missing the signs of a heart attack to a delayed lung cancer diagnosis. According to one study published in BMJ Quality and Safety, reports on diagnostic errors in the United States can vary, as most errors go unreported and may not present a serious threat to the patient. However, even conservative estimates show that doctors and specialists commit misdiagnosis and other diagnostic errors at least 10-15% of the time.
Additionally, according to a comprehensive review by Johns Hopkins Medicine, diagnostic error is the top cause for medical malpractice claims. It’s estimated that up to 160,000 patients every year suffer serious injuries or death as a direct result of a misdiagnosis. Although it isn’t always easy for physicians to get a diagnosis exactly right the first time, medical professionals have an obligation to exercise due diligence in diagnosing patients.
The most common types of medical misdiagnosis:
- Incorrect disease diagnosis
- Failure to identify the underlying cause of a condition
- Medication side effects and prescription errors
- Failure to provide a diagnosis in a reasonable amount of time
Delayed Cancer Diagnosis
A delayed cancer diagnosis can be particularly tragic because early detection of cancer often is the difference between life and death. Victims of breast cancer have a 95% survival rate when the disease is detected in its earliest stage. When breast cancer reaches Stage 4 undetected, the chances of survival is only 7%.
Unfortunately, doctors sometimes ignore symptoms and miss or greatly delay a cancer diagnosis and treatment. When a doctor fails to accurately read or interpret X-rays or blood tests, he or she can be held legally responsible for the injuries or wrongful deaths that result from their medical malpractice.
Proving Negligence in Missed and Delayed Diagnosis Claims
In order to pursue a claim involving delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis, you must first show that a doctor acted negligently. You must prove that, had the illness or disease been correctly diagnosed at an earlier stage, your resulting injuries and complications – or the death of your loved one – would not have occurred.
This can be very difficult to prove. Even competent doctors can make mistakes. In order to hold a doctor liable for his or her mistake, you must show that he or she did not act in a competent manner. It is crucial that you have an experienced medical malpractice attorney on your side, as the law can be incredibly complex. Navigating the legal system on your own can be nearly impossible.
At Grewal Law PLLC, we have more than a century of combined legal experience. Our misdiagnosis attorneys in Michigan can answer your questions and fight to protect your right to fair compensation. We offer compassionate, personalized legal counsel and aggressive advocacy throughout each stage of the legal process.
Reach out to our team by calling (888) 211-5798 and requesting a free initial consultation.
