What Is a Delayed Diagnosis? In Simple Words
Did you know that 1 in 3 misdiagnoses result in a serious injury or even death? Even more, delayed diagnoses count as misdiagnoses. This means that – if you aren’t diagnosed with a condition swiftly – you may end up having to deal with unforeseen consequences.
Just like other misdiagnoses, delayed diagnoses can be dangerous. If you’ve suffered a delayed diagnosis in the past, you understand what we’re talking about.
If you haven’t dealt with a delayed diagnosis, it’s time to learn more about it so that you can stand up for your health in the future. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know delayed diagnosis.
What Is a Delayed Diagnosis?
A delayed diagnosis refers to a situation in which a patient’s disease, ailment, or other condition is not diagnosed in a timely manner. This term only applies if a patient who is actively trying to receive medical assistance receives a delayed diagnosis.
Basically, you have to have actively sought out medical care for the symptoms that you’re having. If you don’t go to a medical physician for help, you cannot claim that there was a delayed diagnosis. How can your physician diagnose you if you didn’t go to him or her for help?
For example, a patient may have a thyroid condition. This patient may have been seen by their physician for swelling in their throat. However – instead of running a full panel of tests – the physician may decide that nothing is wrong.
Many years later, that same patient may find out that they have hypothyroidism, a condition caused by an autoimmune disease known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Because the patient was diagnosed much later, this is considered a delayed diagnosis.
But, what could that patient possibly do now? They’ve already suffered from a swollen thyroid, low body temperature, and other related symptoms for years.
What Can I Do If I Had a Delayed Diagnosis?
If you believe that you’ve had a delayed diagnosis, it’s time to get some legal help. For this specific situation (and other medical situations), the lawsuit would be referred to as a medical malpractice lawsuit.
To learn more about medical malpractice lawsuits, click here to see more.
If you’re hesitant about preparing a lawsuit, you should understand that having a delayed diagnosis is not your fault at all. Medical physicians should do extensive testing if you bring forth concerning symptoms.
If you’re unsure whether or not you may have a medical malpractice lawsuit, you should take the time to speak to legal counsel that can help you put together a case.
Where Can I Learn More?
As you can see, delayed diagnoses are dangerous. You deserve to run a delayed diagnosis claim and see how a proper lawsuit can help you.
When it comes to medical law, there’s more to know than information regarding a delayed diagnosis. There are several medical laws that apply to different kinds of medical cases.
If you’re looking to learn more about medical law and other kinds of law, take a look at the rest of our blog.
