What Should You Do if You've Been Misdiagnosed in DC?

Types of Misdiagnosis

Misdiagnosis can take two forms. These are:

• Incorrect Diagnosis: As the term implies, an incorrect diagnosis occurs when a healthcare provider gives the patient a diagnosis different from their actual medical condition. For instance, a patient who is having a heart attack but is told by a doctor that it’s just stress has received an incorrect diagnosis.
• Failure to Diagnose: Misdiagnosis can also be characterized by a lack of diagnosis. This means the healthcare provider does not identify the patient’s illness. As a result, the patient does not receive the treatment they need to get well or prevent the condition from worsening.

Misdiagnosis can occur in virtually any medical setting and for almost any medical condition. Failing to diagnose cancer is a common form of misdiagnosis. Other common occurrences include the misdiagnosis of mental health conditions and the incorrect identification of infectious diseases.

Deadly consequences

Misdiagnosis can have a serious or even deadly consequence for the patient. Suppose a patient is suffering from a condition that requires immediate intervention, and that condition is not correctly identified. In that case, their life and well-being is put at risk. Misdiagnosis can lead to delayed or incorrect treatment; it can also mean that a patient receives a treatment, procedure, or medication they don’t need.

Remember, if you believe you have been misdiagnosed, you may have the legal right to file a personal injury lawsuit, which can result in compensation. Talk to a lawyer today to learn about your legal rights and options.

What should you do if you have been misdiagnosed?

If you believe you have been medically misdiagnosed in Washington, DC, there are several steps you can and should take. These steps protect both your physical health and your legal rights. The steps include:

• Seek a Second Opinion:If you believe you have been misdiagnosed, consult with another healthcare professional to get a second opinion. This can help clarify whether a misdiagnosis has occurred and what treatment options are best.
• Document Everything:As in all potential personal injury cases, keeping very detailed records is important. You should document all your medical appointments, test results, and prescriptions. You should also be sure to preserve communication with any healthcare providers. This documentation will be essential if you decide to take any legal action.
• Communicate with Your Current Healthcare Provider:Sometimes, genuine misunderstandings occur between patients and doctors. Medicine is a highly complex field, and it’s possible that a communication breakdown occurred. Talk to your healthcare provider about your concerns regarding misdiagnosis before taking any additional steps. In some cases, this may resolve the issue entirely.
• Talk to a Medical Malpractice Attorney:f you believe you have been medically misdiagnosed and that that misdiagnosis has led to serious harm, you should consult a DC medical malpractice attorney with experience in misdiagnosis cases to discuss your options. It’s essential to pick an attorney in DC who specializes in these cases. Your attorney will examine your case thoroughly and help you to understand whether you have a valid legal claim.
• Don’t Forget the Statute of Limitations: All medical malpractice cases have a statute of limitations. This means there is a time limit on how long you have to file a lawsuit or take legal action; if you let this time limit expire, you may not be able to file a claim. In Washington, DC, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice cases is generally three years. However, an exemption may be offered if the injured party was a minor during the misdiagnosis. That being said, refrain from waiting until the end of the statute to take action, as this can result in a loss of evidence.
• Contact Any Authorities: You can file a complaint about your misdiagnosis with the District of Columbia Department of Health if you believe a healthcare provider’s actions may have violated professional standards.
• Consider a Settlement: Many personal injury and medical malpractice cases can be resolved through a settlement in which the victim receives compensation for their economic and non-economic losses. Most likely, your attorney will attempt to reach a satisfactory settlement between you and the defendant. While this is usually doable, if no settlement can be reached, your attorney can defend you in court if a trial is needed.
• Follow Your New Treatment Plan: You may receive a new or different diagnosis from an alternate healthcare provider after your misdiagnosis. If this is the case, follow their instructions and care plan carefully.

Dedicated DC Medical Malpractice Lawyers

Don’t settle for anything less than what you deserve. Regan Zambri Long has a proven track record of success in medical malpractice cases. Our dedicated attorneys will meticulously analyze your situation, identify the at-fault parties, and aggressively pursue the maximum compensation possible. Call us today.