Pennsylvania Medical Malpractice Attorneys: Delayed Diagnosis
The majority of medical malpractice lawsuits concern diagnostic errors. It is not difficult to understand why; without a correct diagnosis, a patient’s chances for recovery can decrease substantially. Even a delay in reaching the correct diagnosis can have grave or even fatal consequences for patients. The Pennsylvania medical malpractice attorneys of Lowenthal & Abrams have a firm commitment to helping the victims of missed or delayed diagnoses.
Causes of Delayed Diagnosis
In a crowded and busy environment like the average hospital, mistakes and oversights are all too easy to make. There are many factors that may contribute to a delay in a patient’s diagnosis, although none of them are excuses. Some of the most commonly cited reasons include:
- Busy emergency rooms where patients cannot receive immediate attention
- Subtle symptoms that may be overlooked
- Disorders whose symptoms closely resemble one another
- Rare disorders that doctors may not recognize
- Inattentive doctors, nurses, or emergency room staff
Consequences of Delayed Diagnosis
Some illnesses, such as cancer, can progress past the point of possible recovery if they are not addressed in time. Other illnesses require immediate attention; if people suffering from them do not receive prompt care, the results can be debilitating or fatal. Conditions that tend to have the worst consequences if they are not diagnosed in time include:
- Heart attacks
- Stroke
- Cancer
- Appendicitis and other infections
- Meningitis
Contact a Pennsylvania Delayed Diagnosis Attorney
If you or a loved one has been hurt by a delay in diagnosis, a medical malpractice suit may help you gain compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. To learn more, contact Pennsylvania delayed diagnosis lawyers Lowenthal & Abrams at 610-667-7511.