Misdiagnosis Lawyers

Attorneys for Failure to Diagnose Lawsuits

Misdiagnoses or failures to diagnose a patient can have life-changing consequences, leading to delayed treatment, worsening health, or even preventable death. For patients harmed by these errors, filing a misdiagnosis claim may be the first step toward justice and the compensation needed to try to recover, at least financially. At James Wood Law, our experienced attorneys are dedicated to helping clients in situations just like yours hold healthcare providers accountable for medical negligence. If you or a loved one suffered from a misdiagnosis, we're here to guide you through the legal process, so reach out to our firm today.

Use an online contact form or dial (888) 579-3866 at any time to speak with our misdiagnosis attorneys from James Wood Law.

Common Types of Misdiagnoses

Some medical conditions are more commonly misdiagnosed than others,  and the consequences are usually devastating to the patient. A delayed or incorrect diagnosis can mean missed opportunities for important treatment or start a health decline that leads to a permanent disability. No matter what type of misdiagnosis you have suffered, our legal team will be ready to step in, lend our legal experience, and help you fight for compensation.

Of all the types of misdiagnoses, three of the most common and dangerous are:

• Cancer misdiagnosis: Cancer is often misdiagnosed, either as a less severe condition or as the wrong type of cancer. Misdiagnosing diseases such as breast cancer, lung cancer, or colorectal cancer can prevent patients from receiving timely treatment, allowing the cancer to progress. Delayed or incorrect treatment drastically reduces survival rates.
• Heart attack misdiagnosis: Heart attacks can be mistaken for other issues like acid reflux, anxiety, or muscle pain—especially in women. Failure to correctly diagnose a heart attack in time can lead to irreversible damage to the heart or even death.
• Stroke misdiagnosis: Strokes, particularly in younger patients or those with uncommon symptoms, can be misdiagnosed as migraines, vertigo, or other conditions. Without prompt intervention, stroke victims risk significant brain damage or even permanent disability.

How Do Misdiagnoses Happen?

Misdiagnoses don’t just happen—they are often the result of preventable errors that occur when proper medical care and attention are not given. Many patients suffer needlessly because healthcare providers fail to follow standard procedures, communicate effectively, or take the time to fully evaluate symptoms. When these avoidable mistakes lead to harm, it may be grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit, which is one of our areas of focus at James Wood Law.

The root causes of dangerous misdiagnoses usually include:

• Medical negligence: Errors in judgment, inadequately reviewing medical records, or overlooking symptoms can lead to improper diagnoses.
• Failure to conduct proper testing: Doctors sometimes skip or delay vital diagnostic tests, such as blood work, biopsies, or imaging scans, leading to missed or incorrect diagnoses.
• Miscommunication among healthcare providers: Poor communication between specialists, primary care doctors, and nurses can result in critical information being lost or misunderstood.
• Reliance on faulty lab results: Errors in laboratory testing or misinterpretation of test results can also contribute to diagnosing the wrong condition.
• Cognitive bias: Sometimes, a physician’s preconceived assumptions about a patient’s age, gender, or medical history lead to diagnostic errors.

What to Do If You Suspect a Misdiagnosis

If you suspect a misdiagnosis, take immediate action to safeguard your health and protect your legal rights. Delays can put your well-being at further risk and may also affect your ability to seek justice if the liability for your worsened health condition becomes complicated.

If you suspect that you were misdiagnosed, you should:

• Get a second opinion: Another qualified medical professional may help confirm or correct an initial misdiagnosis.
• Request your medical records: Gather all documentation related to your care and treatment, such as test results, doctor’s notes, and correspondence. A nominal retrieval fee may apply depending on the records that you request.
• Detail your symptoms: Keep a record of your symptoms, any medical visits, and how you believe the diagnosis may have been wrong.
• Consult with our attorneys: An experienced attorney at James Wood Law can review your case and help determine whether you have grounds to pursue a misdiagnosis lawsuit.
• Act quickly: Misdiagnosis claims are subject to strict statutes of limitations, which vary by state. Waiting too long could jeopardize your ability to file a claim.

Get Our Legal Help – Call Today

A misdiagnosis can change your life for the worse, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. James Wood Law and our misdiagnosis attorneys are committed to securing justice for patients who are harmed by medical negligence. By holding healthcare providers accountable, we hope to help our clients obtain the compensation they deserve for their pain, suffering, and financial losses while also encouraging improvement in healthcare systems overall.

Contact us today to start your case. Dial (888) 579-3866 now.