Connecticut Misdiagnosis Attorneys

Medical Misdiagnosis, Delayed Diagnosis & Failure to Diagnose Claims

Misdiagnosis, which is a term often used to describe all types of diagnosis mistakes, is one of the most common forms of medical malpractice in the United States. According to some studies, as many as 12 million Americans are victims of diagnostic errors every year, with an estimated 40,000 to 80,000 of those individuals ultimately dying as a result of complications related to misdiagnosis. Even more alarming, women and people of color are at a much higher risk of being medically misdiagnosed.

It can be difficult to tell when a diagnostic error was a simple mistake or the result of medical negligence. In fact, doctors and other healthcare providers are required to conduct necessary diagnostic tests, correctly analyze results, and provide proper treatment based on those results—all in a timely manner. If you believe you or someone you love was the victim of a diagnostic error, reach out to RisCassi & Davis, P.C. to learn how our Connecticut misdiagnosis lawyers can help.

Contact us online or call (860) 245-2412 for a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our Connecticut misdiagnosis attorneys.

Examples of Diagnostic Errors

As in all medical malpractice cases, to prove a claim involving misdiagnosis, it is not enough to simply show that you experienced a negative outcome or did not receive an immediate diagnosis. Instead, you have to prove that the doctor who treated you failed to uphold the standard of acceptable care.

Examples of this might include:

• Ignoring your symptoms or dismissing them as something non-serious
• Sending you home (premature discharge) without diagnosing your symptoms
• Failing to order or conduct proper diagnostic tests (x-rays, CT scans, electrocardiograms, etc.)
• Improperly analyzing or interpreting the results of diagnostic tests
• Diagnosing you with the wrong illness, injury, or condition
• Failing to take into account your past medical history when analyzing symptoms
• Failing to order timely diagnostic tests, resulting in a delayed diagnosis

These and other diagnostic mistakes may be considered negligence, meaning you could have the right to bring a claim against the doctor or medical professional. In some cases, you may also be able to bring a lawsuit against a hospital or even an emergency room depending on the specifics of your situation and whether or not the facility is legally liable for the doctor’s conduct.

Misdiagnosis of Cancer

While any misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis can be serious, one of the most dangerous situations arises when a medical professional fails to diagnose cancer properly or in a timely manner. This occurs when a primary care physician, oncologist, or any other medical doctor or specialist fails to properly identify the signs and symptoms of cancer, fails to order or conduct necessary screenings and tests, and, therefore, the patient does not receive timely cancer treatment.

Because early detection and treatment is so critical in nearly all types of cancer, a doctor’s failure to identify and diagnose clear and visible cancer symptoms can have devastating consequences. The disease may progress past the critical timeframe in which treatment is most effective, resulting in further injuries and illness and, in many cases, the death of the patient.

At RisCassi & Davis, P.C., we represent victims of all types of cancer misdiagnoses, including but not limited to:

This is not an exhaustive list. If you or someone you love developed any of these or another type of cancer but did not receive a proper, timely diagnosis and treatment, you could have grounds for a case. Contact RisCassi & Davis, P.C. to learn more during a free consultation.

The Consequences of Misdiagnosis

When patients are exhibiting signs of a serious condition, such as cancer or a heart attack, it is critical that they receive an immediate diagnosis and prompt medical care. Even in cases involving less-serious conditions, such as pneumonia, patients need a timely, accurate diagnosis to prevent the condition from worsening.

Some of the consequences of diagnostic errors include:

• Worsened conditions/illnesses
• Failure to receive proper treatment
• Delayed medical treatment
• Reduced quality of life
• Death
• Improper treatment (care for a condition the patient does not have)

For patients and their families, the physical, financial, and emotional toll of diagnostic errors is immense. Continually seeking medical attention for symptoms can lead to mounting medical bills, while the worsening of one’s health can cause the patient to have to take time off work. For loved ones, the process of watching a family member suffer and become even more ill can be traumatic.

At RisCassi & Davis, P.C., we understand the overwhelming impact misdiagnoses and improper medical care has on victims and their loved ones. Our misdiagnosis attorneys in Connecticut are prepared to fight for the justice you and your family deserve. While no amount of financial compensation can undo the suffering you have been through, it can help you face the challenges ahead.

Call (860) 245-2412 or submit an online case evaluation form today. Our misdiagnosis lawyers in Connecticut are standing by to help.