A misdiagnosis can certainly be a fatal mistake. Say that a patient is having a heart attack. If a doctor makes the wrong diagnosis and tells the patient that they’re having a panic attack or that they are just dealing with gastronomical problems because of stress, the doctor may tell the patient that they just need to rest and relax. In reality, the patient is having a heart attack and will pass away when they go home to rest.
On the other hand, a delayed diagnosis often seems like more of a minor mistake. The doctor gets the diagnosis wrong at first, realizes the error and corrects it. Since they do get it right eventually, the patient does receive proper treatment.
But don’t assume this means that a delayed diagnosis is a minor error. In some cases, it could still be a fatal mistake.
A delayed cancer diagnosis
For example, say that a patient has cancer. It’s fairly localized at the time, but the doctor doesn’t actually think it is cancer and starts a different type of treatment. When that treatment doesn’t work, the doctor realizes that an error has been made and the patient does have cancer. At this point, the doctor adjusts course and starts with the proper medical care plan.
But cancer can metastasize or spread from one organ to another. This is why early diagnosis is so important, as treatment is often much easier in the early stages. The delay could cause the cancer to metastasize and spread to an area where it’s inoperable, meaning that life-saving medical care is no longer possible.
If you’ve lost a loved one due to a doctor’s mistake, or if you suffered harm yourself, be sure you know what legal options you have.
