Ramifications Of Medical Misdiagnosis
The United States is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, with a huge portion of the economy dedicated to health care, yet misdiagnosis is killing thousands of Americans every year. Statistics show that as many as 15 percent of all medical diagnoses are incorrect. In fact, more than 12 percent U.S. cancer patients are initially misdiagnosed, according to a University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine study. A misdiagnosis may result in delayed or incorrect treatment, and the possibility of death.
A staggering 42 percent of medical patients in the States feel that they have experienced a medical error, according to the National Patient Safety Foundation. Whether an X-ray was misinterpreted, lab tests were not ordered promptly, or any other form of medical negligence took place, victims should demand compensation if they have been harmed. As many as 98,000 people die in U.S. hospitals every year as the result of medical mistakes, including misdiagnosis of an illness.
If you have suffered as a result of medical negligence in New York, legal recourse is available. The Sanders Firm has more than 45 years experience successfully litigating malpractice claims including misdiagnosis errors.
Medical negligence in New York: misdiagnosis
With current insurance regulations, health care practitioners may not always make a prompt diagnosis or referral to the proper specialist. Grounds for a misdiagnosis lawsuit may include any of the following medical errors:
- Misdiagnosis of cancer or an infectious disease
- Malignant tumor is misdiagnosed as benign or vice versa
- Delayed diagnosis of heart attack
- Labs are not handled correctly or misinterpreted
- Delayed treatment of kidney or liver disease
- Emergency room misdiagnosis
Patients who have suffered preventable injuries caused by medical misdiagnosis have secured millions of dollars in court awards and settlements to help them through their recovery.
Conditions frequently misdiagnosed
- Appendicitis
- Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)
- Bacterial Meningitis
- Breast Cancer
- Lung Cancer
- Diabetes
- Prostate Cancer
- Cervical Cancer
- Ovarian Cancer
- Testicular Cancer
- Stroke
- Pulmonary Embolism
- Tuberculosis
The most common malpractice claims involving misdiagnosis include breast cancer, heart attack, appendicitis, lung and colon cancer. While other conditions are often misdiagnosed, these five illnesses are associated with higher fatality rates and therefore take the lead.
File a misdiagnosis lawsuit
If you or someone you love has suffered serious injury caused by medical misdiagnosis, The Sanders Firm is here to help. The consequences of doctor negligence in New York can be catastrophic, so it’s important to retain experienced lawyers who can help you recover the compensation to which you are entitled.
Serving Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, Staten Island and Long Island, our law offices have a skilled team of medical professionals and experts to help build the strongest cases possible. Please contact The Sanders Firm to schedule a free case evaluation. Call toll-free at 1-800-Fair-Play (800-324-7752). Resources
- Five commonly misdiagnosed diseases. http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/conditions/09/26
- The Medical Malpractice Crisis: Tip of the “Litigation, Inc.” Iceberg. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/
