Every person who visits a doctor, dentist, surgeon, or other medical professional relies on the skill and attentiveness of that provider. This care begins as soon as a patient is treated for the first time. This first visit can be for a specific complaint or a general physical examination.
In both cases, a medical provider should be on the lookout for any signs of pending danger or ongoing disease. Competent medical care begins with the ability to quickly and accurately recognize conditions and provide care or recommend the patient to a specialist. A failure to provide this level of care may constitute medical malpractice.
A Columbus misdiagnosis lawyer can help when a failure to provide an accurate diagnosis led to a worsening health problem. Our team of compassionate medical malpractice attorneys can explain the legal requirements to prove these claims as well as pursue a case for appropriate compensation.
Is Misdiagnosing Considered Malpractice?
All medical practitioners in Columbus have a duty under the law to provide care that meets the minimal standards for the profession. More specifically, a healthcare worker must provide care that meets the level of treatment a reasonably competent and skilled medical provider would practice in a similar situation.
A failure to provide an accurate diagnosis is a common example of malpractice. For instance, if a patient arrives in the emergency room complaining of chest pains, a standard procedure is to order an X-ray. It may also be necessary to draw blood, take an EKG, or perform other diagnostic tests. If a doctor misinterprets the results of these tests and misdiagnoses a heart attack, the patient may have grounds for civil action. Doctors may also fail to properly diagnose:
- Broken bones
- Mental health conditions
- Chronic respiratory conditions
- Cancer
Our Columbus attorneys can help you understand the legal basis for pursuing a medical malpractice claim that alleges an improper diagnosis.
Impact of an Inaccurate Diagnoses
It is impossible to predict how a misdiagnosis could affect a person’s life. If we use our example of a person visiting an ER for chest pain, a doctor may send the patient home, thinking that they had a mere panic attack. Of course, an untreated heart attack could have devastating consequences. An injured patient or their family, in the event of a wrongful death, is entitled to demand compensation for all resulting losses.
One prominent portion of these losses is economic damages. According to Ohio Revised Code §2323.55(A)(1)(a), economic losses can include subsequent medical bills, lost wages due to being unable to work, and all other monetary damages due to a medical provider’s negligence.
The non-economic damages are just as serious. The emotional impact of realizing that a doctor has failed to provide correct diagnosis, resulting in physical injuries that could have potentially been avoided, can be traumatic. In addition, a decreased quality of life or ability to spend time with loved ones can also cause substantial trauma . Our Columbus misdiagnosis attorneys will properly measure how a failure to provide a correct diagnosis can lead to a claim for compensation.
A Columbus Misdiagnosis Attorney May be Able to Help
The first step in effective medical care is to make an accurate diagnosis of a person’s conditions. A healthcare professional’s ability to interpret the medical signs of illness or injury is essential to proper practice.
A misdiagnosis is a common source of malpractice. Medical providers have a legal obligation to provide proper care, and negligence in failing to provide that care leaves them liable to pay for medical costs, emotional traumas, and other losses. Our Columbus misdiagnosis lawyers will help you recognize your legal rights and push for fair compensation. Reach out to our team today to learn more.
