Is a doctor’s misdiagnosis medical malpractice?
Especially when it comes to life-changing matters, you trust your physician to diagnose you accurately. The right diagnoses can lead to helpful prescriptions and treatments. On the other hand, a misdiagnosis can lead to catastrophic results like worsening conditions and potentially permanent damage from medications and treatments. So, is it medical malpractice if a doctor misdiagnoses your condition? Yes, it is.
A common form of medical malpractice, misdiagnosis occurs more often than you may think. While the list of potential misdiagnosed conditions and diseases is of a wide range, the following types of illnesses are among the most common:
- Lyme disease
- Fibromyalgia
- Multiple sclerosis
- Lupus
- Parkinson’s disease
If you believe your doctor’s diagnosis is wrong, there are a few things you should do. You should seek additional care and, if necessary, go to urgent care or an emergency room. It is imperative that you also do not wait for your condition to worsen. Be sure to also speak with your attorney about your legal options.
Can I sue for misdiagnosis?
Because misdiagnosis falls under medical malpractice as a type of personal injury case, you may seek damages. Your doctor should be insured for these incidents. Generally, coverage for these cases includes compensation for the following:
- Lost wages from missing work hours
- Physical and nonphysical pain and suffering
- Medical expenses including additional visits, therapy sessions and other healthcare needs related to the misdiagnosis
While the truth of a matter can often be complicated and a doctor’s mistake may not always equate to a misdiagnosis, it is vital that you act rather than waiting around. A misdiagnosis could lead to a shortened lifespan and even death.