Medical Liability Consultants, Inc. Glossary Medical Malpractice

Failure to Diagnose The failure to diagnose a condition is a form of medical malpractice. Failure to diagnose can also be inclusive of a delayed diagnosis. With certain medical conditions the delay can allow the disease to progress into stages that are irreparable. In instances like cancer, the failure to diagnosis the disease in a timely manner can mean the difference between life and death. Statistics show that around 40% of all medical malpractice claims are due to the failure to diagnose some type of a condition. If you or a family member is suffering from a condition due to the healthcare professional's failure to diagnose, please click here and select a state to learn more about your legal rights. The failure to diagnosis is a negligent action that deserves compensation for the financial burdens as well as the pain and suffering that it has caused. Failure to Diagnose Signs and Symptoms It is the duty of a doctor to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of certain conditions. In the event that the doctor finds symptoms present that they cannot diagnose, they are responsible to determine what the root cause is. In instances that a patient has high risk factors to develop certain conditions a doctor should be aware of those conditions, monitor if their risk has increased, and understand they have a higher likelihood of developing that condition. If there is a failure to diagnose, a delayed diagnosis, or an underdiagnosed condition by the doctor, the patient is unable to receive early treatment methods that may be necessary to prevent a condition from escalating. Failure to Diagnose - The Insurance Company's Responsibility Insurance companies that have not allowed testing and follow-up care can also be held responsible for the failure to diagnose. Insurance companies have been reported to be dealing with almost double the number of medical malpractice claims than in the past few years. Cancer is one of the most common conditions that doctors have been criticized for failing to diagnose, and insurance companies have been paying more for the failure to diagnose cancer compared to all other types of claims. Failure to Diagnose - Deadly Results The result of a failure to diagnose can be deadly. A medical malpractice claim can be very complicated and only a lawyer that is experienced with medical malpractice cases, specifically failure to diagnose cases, can properly establish the claim. Failing to approach the claim with knowledge and expertise can result in the patient or the patient's family not receiving justice for the physical, emotional, and financial hardships that have resulted. In instances like cancer, the failure to diagnosis the disease in a timely manner can mean the difference between life and death. Statistics show that around 40% of all medical malpractice claims are due to the failure to diagnose some type of a condition.

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