Atlanta Failure to Diagnose Lawyer
One of a doctor’s most important responsibilities is to diagnose illnesses, conditions, diseases, or injuries. Early detection of a disease or illness can have a positive impact on a patient’s overall well-being and lead to more successful treatments. However, when a doctor fails to diagnose a patient’s condition it can cause irreparable harm and patients may even lose their lives.
If you believe you have been the victim of medical malpractice because a doctor failed to diagnose a potentially dangerous condition, do not hesitate to contact an Atlanta failure to diagnose lawyer. Work with an adept medical malpractice attorney that can attempt to achieve a positive outcome for you.
Common Diagnostic Errors
When a person seeks medical attention, a doctor is expected to carefully consider all symptoms and either provide treatment, or order further testing so that any infections, diseases, or injuries can be identified.
However, and unfortunately, sometimes doctors do not reach the proper diagnosis and either improperly diagnose a condition or fail to diagnose a condition altogether. Some of the leading causes of diagnostic errors include:
- Not considering all of the patient’s symptoms – it is a common complaint that doctors do not spend enough time with their patients and do not listen to all concerns and symptoms. Unfortunately, this causes doctors to miss important signs, causing a doctor to miss a critical diagnosis
- Failing to order diagnostic tests – Doctors have a variety of diagnostic tests they can perform and order to provide a clear understanding of what is happening in a patient’s body. However, if a doctor fails to order these tests, it is entirely possible the doctor will fail to diagnose a patient
- Misreading lab results – Even if a diagnostic test is properly performed, it is possible that for a doctor to improperly read a lab test such as an X-ray, CT scan, MRI, or even a blood test
Physicians have a duty to carefully consider all concerns and symptoms raised by a patient to identify and treat a disease or condition. Unfortunately, when a doctor fails to diagnose appropriately, patients are the ones who suffer.
Compensation for a Failure to Diagnose
When a doctor fails to make a diagnosis, it often means more than a patient experiencing minor discomfort. Failing to diagnose a condition can result in a disease or illness spreading and even becoming untreatable.
It is therefore critical that a doctor carefully and diligently considers a patient’s symptoms in light of medical tests and exams. An Atlanta failure to diagnose lawyer can help recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses for current and future medical care
- Lost income for time spent away from work
- Lost future income if a patient is unable to work in the future
- Pain and suffering
An Atlanta failure to diagnose attorney could examine a doctor’s conduct to determine if it is appropriate to file for punitive damages, which are meant to penalize negligent doctors. In addition, an experienced Atlanta lawyer can help grieving families by filing claims for loss of companionship, loss of benefits, and wrongful death if a loved one is lost.
Talk to an Atlanta Failure to Diagnose Attorney
An Atlanta failure to diagnose lawyer can understand the devastating effects of a doctor failing to make a diagnosis and can attempt to help patients and their families recover for their injuries and losses. Contact an attorney today to learn how an experienced medical malpractice lawyer can help you protect your rights and your future.
