Richmond Delayed Diagnosis Attorney
A delayed diagnosis can result in serious harm to a patient and these situations should never be taken lightly. Terminal illnesses in particular, such as cancer, require a prompt diagnosis so treatment can begin as soon as possible. When patients do not receive the adequate treatment they need, the condition or sickness can become much worse and patients may even lose their life as a result. If you or someone you love has been hurt by a delayed diagnosis, it is important to speak to a Richmond delayed diagnosis lawyer that can help with your case.
Common Types of Delayed Diagnosis
Any diagnosis has the potential to be delayed when doctors do not provide the high standard of care that is expected of them. However, there are some illnesses and conditions that form the basis of medical malpractice lawsuits more than others. These include:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Breast cancer
- Lung cancer
- Colon cancer
- Meningitis
- Pulmonary embolism
- Infections
Any time a patient suffers preventable harm due to a delay in the diagnosis of any of the above conditions, a lawyer will conduct an investigation to determine the reason for the delay.
Causes of a Delayed Diagnosis
Many acts of negligence can result in a delayed diagnosis, but some are more commonly seen than others. The most common negligent acts that cause a delayed diagnosis are as follows:
- Failure to admit: When patients visit a hospital to seek emergency treatment, the hospital must admit and treat them. A patient that is turned away may be the victim of a delayed diagnosis.
- Failure to treat: Just as doctors are responsible for admitting patients, they are also responsible for providing treatment as quickly as possible.
- Failure to perform diagnostic tests: Diagnosing certain conditions often requires extensive tests and procedures. When these are not ordered, a doctor may not realize a patient is suffering from a certain condition.
- Failure to listen: Doctors sometimes dismiss a patient’s complaints and do not take them seriously. Patients then cannot receive the treatment they need and their condition may not even be diagnosed until they see another doctor.
- Failure to follow accepted standards: Doctors must follow certain standards at all times. For example, when a patient complains of chest pains and difficulty breathing, it is fairly common practice to perform blood tests that can rule out a heart attack. However, if a doctor chooses to diagnose the patient with a less serious condition, such as anxiety, it could be fatal for the patient.
It is important to identify the cause of a delayed diagnosis so you understand who to hold liable for paying the damages you deserve.
Call Our Experienced Virginia Medical Malpractice Lawyers Today
If you or someone you love have been hurt by a delayed diagnosis, our Richmond medical malpractice lawyers at MichieHamlett are here to help. We know how to determine who was liable for any harm you suffered, and how to hold them accountable for paying the maximum damages you need for your recovery. Call us today at (434) 951-7200 or fill out our online form to learn more about how we can help with your case.
