Deerfield Beach Incorrect Diagnosis Lawyer
Doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals render medical diagnoses on a daily basis. However, sometimes a doctor becomes negligent in their examination or testing of a patient, and this can lead to an incorrect diagnosis of a medical problem. For some, this can lead to a worsening of their problem, secondary medical issues, or even death. At Leifer & Ramirez, our Deerfield Beach incorrect diagnosis lawyers know the pain that an incorrect diagnosis can cause and are here to help.
Consequences of an Incorrect Diagnosis
An incorrect diagnosis can have far reaching consequences for the patient and their family members. First, the medical issue that was misdiagnosed is not being treated. This can lead to complications with that medical problem or secondary issues that result from non-treatment. If a patient is prescribed medications for an incorrect diagnosis those can also cause secondary problems.
When a patient is given an incorrect diagnosis, it almost always means additional medical bills, follow up diagnostic treatment to correct the misdiagnosis, and other costs. It can leave a patient out of work and facing the loss of wages. With an incorrect diagnosis a patient’s condition will suffer, and the pain and suffering caused can feel immeasurable. In some instances, it becomes too late to fix the issue and the patient dies. The family is then burdened with funeral costs, emotional distress, and the loss of a loved one.
When an Incorrect Diagnosis Becomes Malpractice
If a doctor makes an incorrect diagnosis, it does not automatically rise to the level of medical malpractice. In Florida, a patient cannot sue a doctor simply for making an incorrect diagnosis. To be compensated for an incorrect diagnosis, an attorney must prove the following:
- A doctor-patient relationship existed
- The doctor was negligent in their diagnostic procedure
- As a result of the negligence, the patient suffered injury or death
Doctors are not the only medical professionals that can be held liable for medical malpractice because of an incorrect diagnosis. Nurses or other hospital staff handling the tests can be held liable if the incorrect diagnosis was a result of human error. If a malfunction in the machinery or testing equipment caused the inaccurate results, the companies that make the equipment can be held liable, as well.
A Deerfield Beach Medical Malpractice Lawyer Can Help
If a patient discovers he has been given an incorrect diagnosis, there is only a small window available to file a lawsuit. Under Florida law, a patient only has two years from the discovery of the incorrect diagnosis or four years from the date that the incorrect diagnosis was given by the doctor. The state also requires a patient to follow a complicated set of pre-lawsuit requirements as well as go through a complex settlement process before ever going to court. Medical malpractice attorneys are skilled at navigating this process and can ensure that your case is not disregarded on a technicality.
Contact a Deerfield Beach Medical Malpractice Lawyer Now
If you or a loved one has been injured by an incorrect diagnosis, a delay in treatment, or inadequate treatment for an injury contact Leifer & Ramirez in Deerfield Beach for a free consultation of your case. We will make sure the doctors are held accountable for their negligence and get you the compensation that you deserve.
