Philadelphia Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Defining Misdiagnosis of a Medical Condition

Doctors have a certain obligation to their patients to provide high-quality, responsible and professional medical care. They have been through years of school and hands-on training to nearly perfect their practice and to ensure no patient suffers an unnecessary illness or injury as a result of a mistake. Unfortunately, doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals make mistakes from time to time, and patients will pay with their health as a result. Medical misdiagnosis is one of the most common forms of medical malpractice, and a wrongful act that is often overlooked by patients.

Misdiagnosing a medical condition can be one of the most harmful actions a doctor partakes in. Telling a patient that they suffer from a terminal illness, such as cancer, can create chaos, worry and many other emotions in a person's life. This type of misdiagnosis will affect an entire family, and in some cases, an entire community. A recent study by the National Patient Safety Foundation showed that almost half of patients in the nation believe that they have been the victim of misdiagnosis or another type of medical error.

Preventing Medical Misdiagnosis and the Failure to Diagnose an Illness

The following are several tips provided by a Philadelphia medical malpractice attorney to help prevent future misdiagnosis occurrences:

• Be accurate, complete and clear when telling a doctor about your symptoms.
• Tell your doctor any medications you may have taken in the past and whether they have helped, how your illness has progressed, and information on your family's medical history.
• Keep your own records of test results and medications.
• Research the symptoms or what you believe the illness may be. Learn about the medications you are taking as well.
• Follow up with the doctor, such as make another appointment or ask what to expect during recovery.
• Ask your doctor for any other possibilities for the diagnosis to be sure.

Taking charge of your own health and your own recovery process can be one of the most important things you can do in preventing misdiagnosis from occurring. While doctors are expected to be responsible and care for their patients, a doctor may be caught up in other aspects of healthcare, and a patient's safety may take a back seat. If you suspect that you have been the victim of medical malpractice in the form of medical misdiagnosis, do not hesitate to contact a Philadelphia medical malpractice lawyer.

Contact a Philadelphia Medical Malpractice Attorney

The team at The Law Offices of Steven Laynas has over 30 years of experience in medical malpractice law and is prepared to help individuals and families who have been affected by misdiagnosis. Some conditions that are commonly misdiagnosed include breast cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, diabetes, lung cancer, tuberculosis, acute myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, appendicitis, meningitis, and strokes. All of these medical conditions are very serious, and a misdiagnosis or a doctor's failure to diagnose one of these illnesses can result in wrongful death. If your condition was misdiagnosed, you have been the victim of medical malpractice and you have rights!

Contact a Philadelphia medical malpractice lawyer from The Law Offices of Steven Laynas to schedule a free consultation.