Doctors and other health care professionals do their best to make an accurate diagnosis of a patient’s condition in a timely manner. However, there are times with a misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis occurs. That can have devastating effects on a person, and in some cases, lead to permanent disability or death.
For someone with cancer, a misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of six months or more is typically worth filing a lawsuit over. On the other hand, the delay of just 24 hours may justify a lawsuit if a person goes to the ER with chest pain, is misdiagnosed with acid reflux, and then dies the following day of a massive heart attack. Here are some health issues that are commonly misdiagnosed.
Cancer
Early detection is often critical to the successful treatment of cancer. When symptoms are overlooked or attributed to less serious conditions, the disease can progress, reducing options for treatment options and lowering survival rates. For most cancers, we are looking for delays of six months or more in order to have a chance at winning a lawsuit.
Heart Attack
Heart attack symptoms can vary widely and are sometimes mistaken for indigestion, anxiety, or muscle strain, especially in women and younger patients. When a heart attack is misdiagnosed, it delays critical treatment that could prevent major heart damage or death. Early signs such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea, or radiating pain should always be taken seriously.
Stroke
A stroke misdiagnosis can result in permanent brain damage or death, as the window for effective treatment is very narrow. Symptoms such as sudden confusion, weakness, or difficulty speaking must be taken seriously and assessed immediately. Failure to properly diagnose a stroke may be due to a lack of imaging tests or misinterpretation of neurological symptoms, which can lead to terrible consequences for the patient.
Cauda Equina
Cauda equina syndrome is a rare but serious condition that requires immediate surgical intervention to prevent permanent nerve damage. A misdiagnosis or delay in recognizing symptoms like severe lower back pain, loss of bladder or bowel control, and leg weakness can lead to paralysis or incontinence. Accurate and timely diagnosis is critical to the patient’s quality of life.
Blood Clots
Blood clots, especially deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE), can be deadly if not urgently diagnosed and treated. When symptoms like leg swelling, shortness of breath, or chest pain are dismissed or misinterpreted, the clot can travel to the lungs or brain, causing severe complications or death.
Meningitis
Meningitis, an inflammation of the protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord, can progress rapidly and become life-threatening if not identified and treated quickly. Early symptoms—such as headache, fever, neck stiffness, and sensitivity to light—can look like less serious illnesses like the flu or a migraine. Delays in recognizing meningitis can lead to severe complications including brain damage, hearing loss, or death. An accurate diagnosis often requires a spinal tap and lab testing.
If you or a family member have suffered from a misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis, we can refer you to reputable medical malpractice attorneys who have an excellent track record of handling these complex cases. All cases are handled on a contingency basis which means there’s no fee unless a recovery is made. Contact us at 312-346-5320 for help anywhere in Illinois.
