Delayed diagnosis and misdiagnosis are two different types of medical errors, but both can lead to serious consequences. Unfortunately, this kind of experience is common in medical malpractice cases.
Troxler & Troxler Law Firm, based in Waldorf, Maryland, can help you determine if your delayed or incorrect diagnosis has legal consequences. The firm is led by Patrick D. Troxler and Teneshia M. Troxler, attorneys with deep experience in injury and malpractice cases across Southern Maryland.
What Is Misdiagnosis?
A misdiagnosis happens when a doctor tells you that you have the wrong condition. You might have a serious illness like cancer or a heart problem, but your provider diagnoses you with something much less serious or entirely unrelated. As a result, you may receive the wrong treatment (or no treatment at all).
For example, if a heart attack is diagnosed as acid reflux or a cancerous lump is mistaken for a benign cyst, then critical time is lost, and your condition may worsen.
In some cases, this kind of error can lead to avoidable complications or even death. Whether this is legally considered malpractice depends on if another competent provider would have caught it under the same circumstances.
What Is Delayed Diagnosis?
Delayed diagnosis is when the correct diagnosis eventually happens, but much later than it should have. This can occur when a doctor doesn’t order tests soon enough, misreads lab results, or fails to act on concerning symptoms.
Let’s say a patient reports symptoms over several visits but doesn’t receive a referral or testing until months later. If a condition like cancer or an infection worsens in the meantime, that delay may justify a legal claim. The harm often comes from how long it took to get proper treatment.
Talk to Someone Who Can Help
While misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis are distinct, both may be considered instances of medical malpractice under Maryland law.
If you believe a diagnostic error made your condition worse or delayed your recovery, it’s worth finding out where you stand. Call Troxler & Troxler Law Firm at 301-264-6072. We’ll review your case and explain your legal options.
