Misdiagnosis of a Medical Condition

A misdiagnosis can have serious consequences, delaying critical treatment, worsening a patient’s health, and, in some cases, leading to life-threatening outcomes. When healthcare providers fail to diagnose a condition correctly, patients often endure unnecessary pain and interventions that could have been avoided. A Prince George’s County misdiagnosis lawyer at Foran & Foran, P.A. can evaluate whether negligence played a role, thoroughly reviewing medical records and consulting with experts to identify where standards of care were missed. Accountability in these cases helps ensure patients receive the justice and compensation they deserve.

If you or a loved one has suffered from a misdiagnosed condition, consulting with Foran & Foran can be a valuable step toward recovery and accountability. Our experienced attorneys are committed to supporting those impacted by medical malpractice. Like other serious diagnostic errors, misdiagnoses can have lasting impacts, underscoring the importance of pursuing justice. Commonly Misdiagnosed Conditions

Misdiagnosis affects many medical conditions, but certain illnesses have a significantly higher risk of diagnostic errors. Researchers have identified three primary categories—vascular events, infections, and cancers—known as the “Big Three,” which together account for 75% of serious misdiagnosis-related harms. These categories and a few additional conditions represent the most frequently misdiagnosed illnesses with potentially severe outcomes.

Vascular Events

Vascular events like stroke and venous thromboembolism are some of the most frequently missed diagnoses, leading to severe complications or fatalities. Stroke, in particular, is misdiagnosed in approximately 17.5% of cases, making it the leading cause of serious harm from misdiagnosis. Given the urgent nature of stroke treatment, a delayed or missed diagnosis can result in permanent disability or death.

Infections

Serious infections, including sepsis and pneumonia, also have high misdiagnosis rates. Sepsis, a life-threatening infection, requires immediate medical attention to prevent organ failure and death. With a high risk of misdiagnosis, patients suffering from diseases like sepsis face a delay in critical treatment that can lead to devastating outcomes.

Cancers

Cancers are among the most commonly misdiagnosed conditions, often due to delayed recognition of symptoms or misinterpretation of diagnostic imaging. Lung cancer is one of the most frequently misdiagnosed cancers, and early detection is crucial to successful treatment. Patients who experience a delayed cancer diagnosis may face advanced disease progression, impacting treatment effectiveness and survival rates.

These categories emphasize the need to improve diagnostic accuracy for high-risk conditions. By addressing the root causes of these errors, healthcare systems can reduce misdiagnosis rates and improve patient outcomes.

Several underlying issues contribute to the high rate of diagnostic errors, with factors varying across different care settings. Diagnostic errors are influenced by various systemic issues, from lack of communication between medical professionals to high patient loads and inadequate diagnostic tools.

Communication Gaps in Healthcare

Misdiagnosis often results from poor communication between healthcare providers. Failure to share critical patient information, such as medical history or current medications, can lead to incomplete evaluations.

Limitations in Diagnostic Tools

The accuracy of diagnosis often depends on the tools and tests used to evaluate a patient’s condition. When healthcare providers fail to order appropriate tests or misinterpret results, the risk of misdiagnosis increases. Conditions like spinal abscesses, which have a misdiagnosis rate as high as 62%, highlight the importance of using and interpreting diagnostic tools correctly.

These factors underline the importance of systematic solutions to reduce diagnostic errors.

In Maryland, liability for a misdiagnosis can extend to several parties, depending on the circumstances of the case. Determining responsibility for diagnostic errors requires examining the actions of healthcare providers involved in the diagnosis process.

Primary Care Physicians and Specialists

Primary care doctors and specialists may be liable if they fail to recognize symptoms, order appropriate tests, or interpret results accurately. For example, a primary care physician who fails to refer a patient to a specialist for further evaluation can be liable if that decision leads to delayed treatment and worsens the patient’s condition.

Radiologists and Lab Technicians

Diagnostic errors can also occur due to misinterpreted imaging or lab results. Radiologists and technicians are responsible for accurately analyzing X-rays, MRIs, and blood work. If they overlook signs of conditions like cancer or misinterpret results, they may be liable for misdiagnosis-related harm.

Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities

Hospitals and other healthcare facilities may be liable if they lack adequate systems to ensure accurate diagnoses. For instance, a facility that fails to maintain proper diagnostic equipment or enforces high patient loads, leading to rushed evaluations, can be held accountable if these conditions contribute to a misdiagnosis.

Holding these parties accountable is essential for compensating patients and promoting safer diagnostic practices in Maryland’s healthcare system.

A misdiagnosis can lead to delayed treatment, incorrect medication, and sometimes even life-threatening consequences. At Foran & Foran, we’re committed to helping victims of medical misdiagnosis hold healthcare providers accountable. With extensive experience in handling complex malpractice cases, our team will work tirelessly to pursue the justice and compensation you are legally entitled to. Our contingency fee arrangement means you pay nothing upfront and will only pay for our services if and when we achieve a successful outcome for you. For a free consultation, call Foran & Foran at 301-441-2022. We proudly represent clients in Hyattsville, Bowie, Upper Marlboro, Waldorf, La Plata, Silver Spring, Rockville, and surrounding areas.