Nowadays, there are many proactive measures and screenings doctors perform to catch illnesses, like breast cancer, early. However, even with such advanced technologies, there are still many instances of medical professionals failing to diagnose serious illnesses.
Some failed diagnoses may be the result of medical malpractice. If you believe that your doctor or physician was negligent in your diagnosis, there are some important steps you should consider before filing a medical malpractice claim.
In medical malpractice cases, patients are the ones who have to prove that they did not receive the quality standard of care that is expected in the medical field. While an experienced medical malpractice attorney can protect your rights and guide you through the process of a claim, there are some steps you can take on your own as well.
Keep detailed records
While your official medical history is an essential piece of evidence, it may also be helpful to maintain detailed records of your own. Unfortunately, the failure to diagnose often leads to worsening symptoms or serious injury. Personal records of your condition provide you with evidence of medical negligence. Some important things you should record include:
- Changes in your physical abilities
- Significant weight loss
- Lethargy or fatigue
- Lumps, swelling or rashes
Collect expert opinions
Consulting reliable medical professionals is essential to prove your doctor failed to diagnose your condition. This is one of the most important steps in any medical malpractice case. If another medical professional recognizes your symptoms, it shows that your doctor made a mistake and breached the physician-patient relationship to you.
An expert witness is also qualified to determine if your doctor did not administer the correct tests or misinterpreted your symptoms.
Do not lose hope
Dealing with a failed diagnosis can put extreme physical and emotional stress on you and your family. Financial compensation may not be able to fully cover any of the losses your family has faced because of a doctor’s negligence, but a medical malpractice claim can help you find the justice you deserve.