Why Choose Us?

  • Free Consultations With No Obligation
  • 30+ Years Of Experience Representing Injury Victims
  • Over 600 5-Star Reviews On Google
  • Skilled Negotiation With Insurance Companies
  • No Fees Unless We Win Your Case

How Do Medical Misdiagnoses Occur?

Medical misdiagnoses occur when doctors fail to recognize patient symptoms, misinterpret diagnostic test results, or attribute symptoms to the wrong condition. All of these failures can have lasting negative effects on the patient, especially if their condition is severe.

For example, a doctor may misdiagnose a patient with a relatively mild condition based on several key symptoms when, in reality, their symptoms are caused by cancer. This can occur if the doctor fails to screen for the particular type of cancer because they believe the patient is too young to be at risk. This misdiagnosis can then allow the cancer to spread, resulting in more harm.

Emergency Room Errors Are Common In Misdiagnosis Cases

High-pressure ER environments increase the risk of missed heart attacks, strokes, and internal bleeding. Hospitals can be held accountable for systemic failures.

How Do Medical Misdiagnoses Occur?

Medical misdiagnoses happen when doctors:

  • Fail to properly recognize symptoms
  • Misinterpret diagnostic tests
  • Fail to order necessary screenings
  • Attribute symptoms to the wrong condition
  • Dismiss patient complaints prematurely

For example, a patient may be diagnosed with a mild condition when the true cause is cancer. If the physician fails to screen properly because they assume the patient is too young or low-risk, the disease may spread unchecked. Misdiagnosis can lead to delayed treatment, disease progression, permanent disability, or even death.

Early Diagnosis Often Determines Survival

In serious conditions like cancer, stroke, and sepsis, early detection dramatically improves outcomes. Even a short delay in diagnosis can permanently change a patient’s prognosis.

Medical Misdiagnosis Cases We Handle On Long Island

  • Diabetes
  • Cancer
  • Appendicitis
  • Infections
  • Stroke
  • Heart attacks
  • Brain bleeding injuries
  • Complex regional pain syndrome
  • Meningitis and encephalitis
  • Peritonitis
  • Pulmonary embolism
  • Sepsis

Proving a Medical Misdiagnosis

Proving that a medical misdiagnosis occurred and that it worsened your condition or caused other physical or psychological injuries can be tricky without an experienced malpractice lawyer. It involves gathering several types of key evidence, including:

  • Your medical records detailing the symptoms you sought treatment for and the diagnosis you received
  • The expert testimony of a medical professional who can explain where the provider who misdiagnosed your condition made an error
  • Evidence of how the misdiagnosis caused further injury, such as complications that arose because of delayed medical care or unnecessary medical treatment you underwent

Due to the medical evidence involved, misdiagnosis cases are often more complex than other types of personal injury cases, which is why it’s crucial to choose the right attorney.

How Much Compensation Can You Obtain for Medical Misdiagnosis?

The amount you could receive through a medical misdiagnosis case depends on many factors, including the severity of the misdiagnosis, the additional medical treatment you require, and the lasting impact your condition causes due to the delay in your treatment. Victims of medical misdiagnosis may recover both economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

  • Past and future medical expenses
  • Additional treatment costs
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of future earning capacity

Non-Economic Damages

  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Mental anguish
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

Compensation depends on the severity of the error and its long-term consequences.

Hear What Our Clients Have to Say

“I’ve known Joe Dell for 30 years and he has helped me and my family many times with outstanding results every time. I trust Joe and his firm to do the right thing and protect and represent my well-being. The whole team, including Joe, Josh, Ben, Barbara, and the rest of the firm are top notch professionals. They will answer every question and keep you in the loop every step of the way from beginning to end. I could go on and on with how great I was treated throughout the years, but if I could do anything to return the favor, it would be to highly recommend Joe Dell and his firm!” – Darcy Jean

Contact Our Long Island Medical Malpractice Attorneys

If you are the victim of medical misdiagnosis in Nassau or Suffolk County, contact Dell & Dean, PLLC, for a free consultation about your case with our knowledgeable and experienced New York medical malpractice attorney. During your initial consultation, we’ll review your medical condition, the misdiagnosis, and its impact on your life. We’ll also explain your options for seeking compensation and walk you through what to expect from your case.

Dell & Dean, PLLC, represents victims throughout Nassau County and Suffolk County on Long Island, as well as the boroughs of New York City and the surrounding areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between misdiagnosis and failure to diagnose?

Misdiagnosis occurs when a doctor diagnoses the wrong condition. Failure to diagnose occurs when a doctor fails to identify a condition at all. Both can support a malpractice claim.

Can I sue if my diagnosis was delayed but eventually corrected?

Yes. If the delay worsened your condition or reduced your treatment options, you may have a valid claim.

Do I need expert testimony in a misdiagnosis case?

Yes. Medical malpractice cases typically require expert medical testimony to establish that the provider failed to meet the standard of care.

How long do I have to file a medical malpractice claim in New York?

In most cases, you have two and a half years from the date of malpractice, though exceptions may apply.