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Misdiagnosis and Medical Malpractice in Illinois
Since 2001 we have helped thousands of people find the best Illinois medical malpractice lawyer for their case. Please contact us at 312-346-5320 to talk to an attorney for free.
When we go to a doctor or hospital, we trust that we’ll get the right diagnosis and treatment. We expect medical professionals to listen to our symptoms, run the proper tests, and give us answers we can rely on. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen. One of the most serious medical errors is a misdiagnosis—when a doctor fails to diagnose a condition, gives the wrong diagnosis, or delays identifying the correct illness. These mistakes can lead to incorrect treatment, no treatment at all, and life-altering consequences for the patient.
Common Conditions That Are Misdiagnosed
Some illnesses are more likely to be misdiagnosed because their symptoms can mimic other conditions or appear mild at first. Commonly misdiagnosed conditions include:
- Cancer (such as breast, lung, colon, ovarian, or prostate cancer)
- Heart attacks, especially in women, younger patients, or people with atypical symptoms
- Strokes, particularly when symptoms are mistaken for migraines or vertigo
- Infections like sepsis, pneumonia, or meningitis
- Autoimmune disorders such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis
In many cases, early detection is critical. For example, diagnosing cancer in its early stages may mean the difference between full recovery and a terminal outcome. Missing the signs of a stroke or heart attack can result in permanent brain damage or even death. These are not just simple errors—they can be catastrophic.
How Misdiagnosis Can Affect Patients
The consequences of a misdiagnosis go far beyond a temporary delay in care. Patients may endure painful, unnecessary treatments, take the wrong medications, or be left untreated entirely. They may suffer permanent injury, lose time to fight a serious illness, or face emotional distress from not knowing what’s really wrong. In families, these errors can create overwhelming financial and emotional burdens. When a misdiagnosis changes the course of someone’s life, it’s important to consider whether the outcome could have—and should have—been prevented.
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When Should You Talk to a Lawyer?
Not every diagnostic mistake amounts to malpractice. If you can’t show that the delay caused you harm then it’s not likely a case. However, if a doctor or medical facility failed to meet the accepted standard of care, and that failure led to serious harm or death, legal action may be appropriate. Illinois law allows misdiagnosed and injured patients to seek compensation, but these cases are complex and time-sensitive. For people over 18 years old, you have to file a lawsuit within two years of when you knew or should have known that malpractice occurred, but can’t wait more than four years from when it happened. So time is really of the essence.
If you or a family member experienced serious consequences after a misdiagnosis, we would love to help you. There is no fee to talk to us and every attorney we recommend works on a contingency basis. That means there is no fee unless the case is successful. Contact us any time at 312-346-5320 for help anywhere in Illinois.