If you have a physical issue and you need to see a doctor, you are going to the doctor because you believe that they have the ability to resolve your issue. Even if the doctor cannot figure out on the spot what is wrong, hopefully, they will be able to help you to find a solution. Generally, that happens as expected but there are times when the doctor’s diagnosis is inaccurate or completely incorrect. If that error causes you additional problems (or makes the current problem worse) you will most likely seek additional medical treatment and you may need legal support to help you pay for it.
Misdiagnosis cases are not uncommon
Unfortunately, misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis cases in the United States are more common than you may think. Experts believe that the rate of those cases is approximately 5% for outpatients. The errors can occur anywhere across the country, including in Pennsylvania. That means that a large number of diagnoses and a large number of physicians miss the mark.
What to do if you have been misdiagnosed
In any medical malpractice claim, two of the important questions are whether the treatment that you received fell below professional standards and, if so, whether the substandard practices led to an injury. There is quite a difference between an accident and the physician making an avoidable mistake.
If your malpractice case ends up in court
Medical malpractice cases are often complicated and if your case goes before a jury, you will need to present expert witnesses and other sophisticated evidence to help the jury to make an informed decision. Those who have been injured due to misdiagnosis can speak with a lawyer who has experience in medical malpractice and who will be able to get you the compensation that you deserve.