What is wrong diagnosis/misdiagnosis?
A misdiagnosis or wrong diagnosis of an injury or health condition is where the medical professional doesn’t spot the right issue, or doesn’t give you the correct treatment for the condition you do have. This can have serious consequences for your health; your condition may get worse or develop further problems.
Common incorrect diagnosis claims
Wrong diagnosis claims can be made for any serious incorrect diagnosis that causes you harm as a result. Our wrong diagnosis lawyers are experienced in dealing with claims that relate to a wide range of conditions, which include, but are not limited to:
Type 1/Type 2 diabetes
The symptoms of these conditions are very similar and it is only through proper questioning and tests that your doctor will be able to establish which condition you are suffering from and start you on the correct treatment.
Cancer
The initial symptoms of cancer can be misdiagnosed as being caused by other illnesses. For example, lung cancer can be misdiagnosed as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
It is also possible for people to be diagnosed with cancer, when in fact they are suffering from a less serious problem, such as a benign tumour. The wrong diagnosis here can result in someone undergoing completely unnecessary cancer treatment.
Stroke
Stroke symptoms can sometimes be mild or vague. However, immediate diagnosis and treatment is vital to limit the complications of a stroke, any resulting disabilities and to prevent death.
Meningitis
Doctors may struggle to diagnosis meningitis at a first attendance. It is sometimes mistaken for flu. It is extremely important that this condition is diagnosed immediately and the correct medical treatment obtained, especially in the case of babies or young children.
Ectopic pregnancy
The signs of an ectopic pregnancy can often be misdiagnosed as other conditions, such as a urinary tract infection or miscarriage. However, a delay in diagnosis and treatment can, in the most severe cases, lead to rupture and death.
There are many other conditions for which an incorrect diagnosis can be made initially, sometimes with very serious consequences. The most important thing is to seek medication attention urgently if you feel there is something wrong and give the doctor as much information as possible to help them to diagnose the problem.
How much compensation can be expected for a wrong diagnosis?
How much wrong diagnosis compensation to expect
The amount of compensation that you might be in line to receive if you make a successful claim for incorrect diagnosis will depend very much on the circumstances of your case and the impact that this type of medical negligence has had on your life and health.
Our team of specialist wrong diagnosis lawyers can assess the specifics of your case and give you an estimate of the amount of compensation you could receive if your claim is successful.
Claims against hospital
If you received an incorrect diagnosis whilst in hospital and are eligible to claim compensation, our solicitors can help you through every single stage of the process. To prove the claim, evidence will need to be collected to show that you were given an incorrect diagnosis and have suffered as a result. We know exactly which forms of evidence are required and how to file a claim that has the best possible chance of success.
If you feel that you or a loved one has not had their symptoms fully investigated and there has been a delay in getting the correct diagnosis, contact our specialist clinical negligence team who are experts in misdiagnosis claims and will be able to provide you with advice on a claim for compensation, call us on 01616 966 229.