Failure to diagnose leads to an estimated 250,000 deaths in the United States every year. Many of these involve failure to properly diagnose serious conditions stemming from cancer to mental health problems. Some of the most common conditions that are misidentified as other, less serious medical problems include:
- Cancer: Because cancer can affect virtually any organ or system within the body, its symptoms can be wide and varying, depending on the affected area. As such, may be quick to help you treat your symptoms without taking the time to properly evaluate the cause, missing the chance to identify and stop cancer in its tracks. (The most common forms of misdiagnosed cancer include that of the breast, pancreas, and colorectal system.)
- Heart attack: You’ve probably heard that heart attacks cause sudden discomfort in the left arm, intense chest pain, and other symptoms like vomiting and fatigue. Doctors are trained to spot the signs of an impending heart attack, and the consequences of misdiagnosis or delayed identification of a heart attack can be devastating and result in permanent brain damage or death.
- Celiac disease: Many people receive varying incorrect diagnoses and undergo treatment for multiple other conditions (commonly including irritable bowel syndrome) before being accurately diagnosed with Celiac disease. Untreated Celiac disease can lead to severe digestive problems, depression, and reduced quality of life when not treated properly.
When doctors fail to identify any of the above conditions, you may suffer as a result and your life may be put at risk. You may also accrue costly medical bills and related expenses that could have been avoided if your doctor had properly diagnosed your condition. If this happens to you or someone you love, get in touch with a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible.
Compassionate, Experienced Medical Malpractice Attorneys Serving Philadelphia
At Golomb Legal, P.C., we provide attentive, personalized legal service to people who have suffered unnecessary harm and injury due to the negligent practices of a hospital or physician. If you or someone you love has endured painful consequences and medical complications because of a doctor’s carelessness or failure to heed obvious signs, we may be able to help you take legal action to make up for the financial consequences of their mistakes. Allow us to come alongside you, reassure you, and be your advocates as you seek to make things right.
Contact us to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation or call (215) 278-4449 today to speak to a Philadelphia medical malpractice attorney about your case.