When you visit a doctor, you trust them to identify your condition and provide the appropriate treatment. Unfortunately, misdiagnoses happen more often than many realize and can have devastating consequences for patients. Misdiagnosis is one of the most common forms of medical malpractice.
If you’ve suffered harm due to a healthcare provider’s error, you may be entitled to compensation. That’s where Simeone & Miller, LLP can assist you. We have the skills, resources, and determination to get you the compensation you need and deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation. We represent injury victims in Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland.
What Is Misdiagnosis?
Misdiagnosis occurs when a medical professional incorrectly identifies a patient’s condition or fails to diagnose an existing issue. This error can lead to:
- Delayed treatment–A correct diagnosis may come too late to prevent further harm.
- Incorrect treatment–Treating the wrong condition can worsen the illness or create new health problems.
- Missed opportunities for recovery–Some conditions, such as cancer or heart disease, require early intervention for effective treatment.
While not every diagnostic error qualifies as malpractice, those that result from negligence—such as failing to order necessary tests or misinterpreting results—may form the basis of a legal claim.
Common Conditions Often Misdiagnosed
Certain medical conditions are more prone to being misdiagnosed due to overlapping symptoms or inadequate evaluation. These include:
- Cancer–Cancer symptoms can mimic less severe conditions, leading to delayed or missed diagnoses.
- Heart attacks–Chest pain and discomfort are sometimes mistaken for indigestion, anxiety, or muscle strain.
- Strokes–Early stroke symptoms can be confused with migraines or inner ear disorders.
- Infections–Serious infections like sepsis are occasionally misdiagnosed as the flu or a viral illness.
- Autoimmune disorders–Diseases like lupus and multiple sclerosis can present with vague, fluctuating symptoms, complicating diagnosis.
When a healthcare provider fails to recognize these conditions, the consequences can be life-altering or even fatal.
How Does Misdiagnosis Happen?
Misdiagnoses often occur due to preventable errors in the diagnostic process. Common factors include:
- Failure to listen to patients–Dismissing a patient’s symptoms or concerns without thorough investigation.
- Inadequate testing–Not ordering the appropriate diagnostic tests or failing to follow up on abnormal results.
- Misinterpretation of test results–Reading X-rays, MRIs, or lab reports incorrectly.
- Rushing through appointments–Spending insufficient time evaluating a patient’s symptoms or medical history.
While healthcare providers are not expected to be infallible, they are required to exercise reasonable care and follow accepted standards of practice. When they fall short, patients suffer.
Proving Medical Malpractice in Misdiagnosis Cases
To pursue a medical malpractice claim for misdiagnosis, you must demonstrate that the provider’s actions amounted to negligence. This involves proving four key elements:
- Duty of Care: The provider had a professional obligation to deliver competent medical care.
- Breach of Duty: The provider failed to meet the standard of care expected in their field.
- Causation: The misdiagnosis directly caused harm, such as a worsened condition or additional medical complications.
- Damages: The patient suffered losses, including medical expenses, lost income, or pain and suffering.
Establishing these elements often requires expert testimony to explain how the provider deviated from the standard of care.
The Impact of Misdiagnosis
Misdiagnosis can have far-reaching consequences for patients and their families. Some of the most common impacts include:
- Physical harm–Progression of untreated conditions, unnecessary surgeries, or side effects from incorrect treatments.
- Emotional distress–Anxiety, depression, and loss of trust in medical providers.
- Financial strain–Costs for additional medical care, lost income, and other expenses related to the error.
If you’ve experienced these hardships due to a provider’s misdiagnosis, you have the right to hold them accountable.
How an Experienced Medical Malpractice Attorney Can Help
Misdiagnosis cases are complex and require a thorough understanding of medical and legal principles. An experienced medical malpractice attorney at Simeone & Miller, LLP can:
- Investigate your case to determine whether negligence occurred.
- Work with medical experts to evaluate the provider’s actions.
- Gather evidence, such as medical records and expert opinions, to build a strong claim.
- Advocate for fair compensation to cover your losses and ensure accountability.
Having our team on your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Why Choose Simeone & Miller, LLP?
At Simeone & Miller, LLP, we understand the pain and frustration caused by a misdiagnosis. We have extensive experience handling medical malpractice claims and a track record of achieving favorable results for our clients. We’ll evaluate your case, answer your questions, and help you take the next steps toward justice and recovery. Contact us today to learn what we can do for you.
Simeone & Miller, LLP is based in Washington, D.C., and also provides legal services across Maryland and Virginia. In Maryland, our services extend to Baltimore City, Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, Howard County, and Anne Arundel County. In Virginia, we serve clients in Arlington County, Alexandria, Fairfax County, Fairfax City, Falls Church, Loudoun County, Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park.