People rely on medical professionals for critical needs. Most people cannot diagnose their own conditions. Those dealing with significant medical symptoms typically need to discuss their concerns with a healthcare professional. A physician can use their knowledge and access to diagnostic systems to determine the underlying cause of symptoms. That knowledge then determines the best treatment plan for the patient. Unfortunately, misdiagnosis is relatively common.
How can families address the emotional and financial consequences of misdiagnosis?
By consulting with another medical professional
Typically, the path to recovery after medical malpractice begins with another doctor’s insight. People need a medical professional to accurately diagnose them or their loved ones. In many cases, a physician can review medical records and affirm that another doctor may have made a mistake or negligent oversight.
Their input can help patients and their loved ones feel less conflicted about the situation. When they realize that poor care standards, negligence or even professional burnout may be to blame for a doctor making a diagnostic error, they may feel less uncomfortable with the idea of holding that physician accountable.
By quantifying practical consequences
Diagnosing a patient with the wrong condition or failing to diagnose them entirely can have major implications for the patient. In some cases, they have to undergo far more invasive and painful treatments. They may miss more work and have more expensive medical bills to cover.
Their health challenges can have a ripple effect on the rest of the family, especially if they cannot perform unpaid tasks that they usually manage for their family. The pursuit of justice after a diagnostic error often requires that families request a specific amount of compensation.
Lost wages, lost future earning potential, lost benefits, lost household services and increased medical costs can all contribute to the total economic impact of a diagnostic mistake. Families grieving the loss of a loved one or coping with major medical challenges may need help with the process of establishing the economic impact of the diagnostic error.
By filing a malpractice lawsuit
Most medical professionals and facilities carry malpractice insurance. However, litigation is typically necessary to obtain reasonable compensation from those insurance policies. Injured patients and grieving families can file medical malpractice lawsuits against a specific physician or the medical business that employs them. With the right support and evidence, it is theoretically possible to hold health care providers accountable for diagnostic oversights and failures.
A successful medical malpractice lawsuit can provide families with economic relief and may give them a sense of justice. Realizing that a diagnostic error might constitute malpractice can be the first step toward addressing the real-world consequences of a doctor’s failings.