What do you do if you’re not feeling well or you’ve been hurt? You go into a medical professional to get checked out, diagnosed, and provided with the proper treatment. It all seems so simple doesn’t it? Well it is until something goes wrong.
One issue that can arise is medical negligence in the form of a misdiagnosis. This is a situation in which the doctor or other medical professional fails to properly identify the symptoms of a condition or injury and dictates that the patient is suffering from something that they’re not.
It is dangerous for patients to be misdiagnosed. Here’s why:
It Prevents Patients from Getting Proper Treatment
Imagine having symptoms you think are relatively harmless, yet you go to the doctor and get checked out. They diagnose you with a not-so-serious condition and send you on your way with a prescribed medication. Your condition worsens, and it can be daunting.
Many types of illnesses and injuries show some of the same symptoms, making it possible for a medical professional to mistake them. Without proper testing, the doctor may not properly diagnose the patient, meaning the patient doesn’t get the right treatment.
Without the right treatment, the patient may not be able to recover in a proper time. In some situations, such as when cancer is misdiagnosed, this mistake can prove to be fatal.
It Causes Unnecessary Concern
On the other side of misdiagnosis, the doctor may say that the patient has something worse than they actually do. This can cause unnecessary worry with the patient and his or her family. This can be an emotionally trying situation.
When misdiagnosis occurs, patients have rights and having an Albuquerque medical malpractice attorney on your side can help make the difference in your case. It’s important to understand what options you have to protect your well-being.
At James Wood Law, our legal team works hard to build a strong case on your behalf. You should have someone on your side who can help you move forward in the most positive manner possible, seeking the compensation and justice you deserve.
Schedule a free consultation with our team by calling us today at (505) 906-6774.