Pittsburgh Medical Misdiagnosis Lawyers Fighting For You After A Doctor’s Error
Medical technology has made it possible to diagnose and treat medical conditions that were once untreatable. Unfortunately, physicians do not always properly use the diagnostic tools available to them or follow up when warning signs are present. The result of a misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis can have devastating consequences for patients.
At John A. Caputo & Associates, P.C., we stand up for those who have been harmed due to misdiagnosis and other types of medical malpractice in Pittsburgh and throughout Pennsylvania. With more than 60 years of combined experience, our Pittsburgh misdiagnosis lawyers are prepared to stand up for your rights in this critical legal matter.
We Work With You To Uncover Evidence Of Misdiagnosis
Misdiagnosis can occur in many circumstances, from the doctor’s office to the radiology lab to the emergency room. It is often a misread test or the failure to follow up with additional tests when warning signs are present.
We work with leading medical experts who help us understand where the diagnostic process broke down and how misdiagnosis contributes to the patient’s suffering and harm.
Our clients include people who have suffered due to the misdiagnosis of cancer, diabetes, heart disease and other medical conditions.
Failure to diagnose can lead to the worsening of an illness, unnecessary additional medical treatment and even wrongful death. If you or a loved one has suffered due to misdiagnosis, our failure-to-diagnose lawyers are here to help you pursue fair and just compensation for the losses you have suffered.
Understanding The Misdiagnosis/Delayed Diagnosis Discovery Process
Misdiagnoses and failures to diagnose are two of the most common forms of medical malpractice. To collect compensation for either, however, it has to be shown that the medical professional in question was somehow negligent – and that their negligence was the direct cause of suffering for the patient.
In other words, your misdiagnosis attorney has to show that, but for medical negligence, the patient would not have suffered additional complications with their condition or a worsening of their condition. That can be a complicated process. Medical records, expert opinions and witness statements are all crucial to the strength of a case and can help connect the dots.
While it is not necessary to file a complaint with the provider’s medical licensing board to have a valid medical malpractice claim, injured patients and their families may want to consider taking that step. Once alerted to a potential lapse in the standard of care patients are receiving, the licensing board can conduct its own investigation into the allegations. Those records may be useful in discovering information that was previously unknown. If the complaint is validated, it may also lend strength to the malpractice claim.
How Do Delayed Diagnoses Happen?
Delayed diagnosis can occur due to various factors, often involving a complex interplay of systemic issues and individual errors. Understanding these factors is crucial for addressing the problem and improving patient care. Common causes include:
- Overwhelming workload: Overworked medical professionals may rush through patient examinations, potentially missing critical symptoms or failing to order necessary diagnostic tests.
- Misinterpretation of test results: This can stem from human error, inadequate training or faulty equipment. Some medical professionals may lack the specialized knowledge to interpret complex results accurately.
- Communication breakdowns: Poor handoffs between shifts, inadequate follow-up on test results, or failure to communicate effectively with patients about their symptoms and medical history can lead to diagnostic errors.
- Systemic issues: Delayed diagnosis often indicates broader problems within healthcare organizations, not isolated incidents.
It’s important to note that these diagnostic errors can have serious consequences for patients. By bringing attention to these issues, patients and their families can help identify patterns and push for changes in healthcare practices.
If you suspect that you or a loved one has suffered due to a delay in diagnosis, it’s important to consult with experienced medical malpractice attorneys. A skilled delayed diagnosis lawyer can help guide you through the legal landscape, gather evidence and pursue compensation for any harm caused by the diagnostic error.
At John A. Caputo & Associates, P.C., our attorneys understand the complexities of these cases and work tirelessly to hold negligent parties accountable. By addressing these issues legally, we not only seek justice for individual clients but also contribute to improving healthcare practices and preventing future errors.
Medical Malpractice Claims Come With A Deadline
While the statute of limitations on medical malpractice claims in Pennsylvania is generally two years from the date of injury, there are exceptions to that rule. The clock may not actually start ticking until the malpractice victim or their survivors find out about the misdiagnosis or other medical mistakes. That may only come after a second opinion, new testing, a review of the patient’s medical records or some other event.
Misdiagnosis lawyers understand how to calculate the statute of limitations correctly and take the appropriate action to preserve a plaintiff’s right to compensation for misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose. If you believe that you or your loved one suffered harm from a medical mistake, take advantage of the free consultation we offer to discuss your claim in person.
Discuss Your Claim With An Experienced Lawyer Today
We are here for you when you are ready to discuss your misdiagnosis claim with experienced Pittsburgh medical malpractice lawyers. You can reach us online or by telephone at 412-620-6361.