Misdiagnosis in medical treatment

 

Misdiagnosis in medical treatment

Patients place great trust in medical professionals to handle their case in the correct manner, to the highest standards possible. We have to put our confidence in the hands of professionals to ensure that the medical records will be examined fully, the correct tests will be run on the patient, and that the patient will be diagnosed accordingly. However, on occasion, misdiagnosis will occur and this can lead to great distress for the patient. In these cases, it may be possible to bring a claim for medical negligence.

What are the types of misdiagnosis that can occur?

• Misinterpretation of the patient's medical records

• Failure to diagnose a condition or illness (such as cancer)

• Mixing up medical records

• Failure to respond to test results

A doctor may potentially be held liable for medical negligence if they fail to respond to test results or misinterpret them due to negligence. A patient is owed a duty of care by their doctor and have the right to expect that every care will be made to ensure that they are diagnosed properly. Neglectful or careless practice can have devastating consequences. For example, in cases where the early signs of cancer are left unrecognised and untreated, a patient's lifespan could be greatly reduced as a result of that one mistake.

How to make a claim for medical compensation

Unfortunately, there have been many reported cases of misdiagnosis resulting in medical negligence for the patient. In some cases, this misdiagnosis has proven to be fatal for the patient. In order to make a claim there are many factors to be considered. The main question to consider is; what would the outcome have been had the patient received the correct diagnosis initially?

According to English Law, the real test is whether earlier treatment had a better than 50% chance of succeeding. As this test is quite strict, it can produce some unpleasant results. However, if you wish to make a claim, and can prove that you have suffered pain and suffering as a result of the misdiagnosis, you may be entitled to claim for compensation. Our expert clinical negligence solicitors will assess your case on its own merit, and inform you of the best way to handle your case. Please call us to discuss the details of your case.