Fulton County Medical Misdiagnosis Lawyer
A misdiagnosis could result in adverse medical circumstances or potentially death. When a doctor fails to meet the standard of care and his actions result in a misdiagnosis, you have the right to hold the doctor accountable.
That said, proving a doctor made such a mistake can be a challenging and time-consuming process. If you or a loved one feel that a medical misdiagnosis might have caused an adverse change to your health, a Fulton County misdiagnosis lawyer can handle the details while you recover. A passionate team of malpractice lawyers is ready to help you fight for the compensation you deserve for related injuries or illnesses.
What is a Medical Misdiagnosis?
In Georgia, there are several actions that are considered a misdiagnosis. The first occurs when a physician diagnoses a patient with one malady when his or her symptoms are caused by another underlying condition.
A delayed diagnosis may also constitute misdiagnosis. Such circumstances might occur when a physician does not diagnose a serious illness such as cancer in a timely fashion. The final example of misdiagnosis is a failure to diagnose where a physician neglected to detect the presence of a significant illness.
Misdiagnosis lawsuits are common among physicians who have examined the patients in question. It is not common for hospitals to be included as part of misdiagnosis civil actions. This is because doctors are usually not considered employees of such medical facilities but hired as independent contractors for whom the institutions bear no legal responsibility.
Proving Misdiagnosis Occurred in Fulton County
Successfully proving misdiagnosis or any other form of medical malpractice is contingent upon being able to demonstrate four basic principles:
- Physician and patient shared a professional relationship and the doctor in question performed physical examinations and other medical diagnostic tests on the patient
- The physician demonstrated negligence and incompetence that any other competent medical professional would not have
- The injuries or illnesses the patient claims resulted from the misdiagnosis
- The purported misdiagnosis caused the patient serious or undue harm
These can be difficult to prove. This makes it important to work with a Fulton County medical misdiagnosis attorney who understands the legal process and how to prove these claims.
Damages That Might Be Sought
When a person suffers from a medical misdiagnosis he or she may have the right to recover compensation for his or her losses. This compensation can cover several areas including:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced quality of life
- Lost wages
- Mental anguish
These are a few common examples. A specific case might necessitate the need for additional damages. A Fulton County medical misdiagnosis attorney can examine a specific case to determine what compensation may be appropriate.
What is the Time Limit for Filing a Misdiagnosis Claim?
If someone believes his or her health issues are related to a misdiagnosis, the time to initiate legal action is not indefinite. In accordance with O.C.G.A. § 9-3-71 governing the limitation on civil practice actions, medical malpractice suit claims must be made within two years of the reported incident.
If a person fails to initiate a claim within this time period, she may be barred from recovery. In order to avoid this, it is important to reach out to a Fulton County medical misdiagnosis lawyer who can make sure all appropriate deadlines are met.
Reach Out to a Fulton County Medical Misdiagnosis Attorney Today
Medical misdiagnosis could pose life-altering consequences. However, if you believe you are suffering the consequences of such an error, a Fulton County misdiagnosis lawyer can fight for your rights and may be able to help you recover the compensation you need. Call today.
