Can I Pursue a Lawsuit After a Delayed Diagnosis?

 Posted on April 22, 2024 in Medical Malpractice

Delayed diagnosis occurs when medical professionals neglect their duties to patients and either repeatedly misdiagnose or delay an important diagnosis. This can have disastrous consequences for patients who need treatment, and a delayed diagnosis is generally considered a type of medical malpractice in Illinois.

An experienced Illinois medical malpractice attorney can help you navigate a lawsuit if you wish to pursue a claim after dealing with a delayed medical diagnosis.

What Causes a Delayed Diagnosis?

A delayed diagnosis can be caused by many different things, as there are typically many medical professionals involved in screening patients, ordering tests, and interpreting test results. At any of these points, a medical professional may neglect their duty of care to patients and fail to provide an accurate diagnosis.

Among the most common reasons for a delayed diagnosis are the following:

• Neglecting or failing to screen patients properly, including high-risk patients for illnesses like cancer
• Failing to order the correct tests or procedures
• Misinterpreting test results
• Neglecting or failing to act according to the symptoms a patient is presenting
• Administering improper treatment plans

Delayed diagnosis can have catastrophic impacts on patients, especially when it comes to medical conditions or illnesses that benefit from quick treatment. When proper treatment is not received, patients may deal with extended severe illness, injury, or death.

Pursuing a Claim After an Illinois Delayed Diagnosis

It may be possible to pursue a claim after a delayed diagnosis in Illinois, but this process can be complex. Delayed diagnosis is a type of medical malpractice claim, and both medical facilities and medical professionals are quick to cover up or ignore any accusations of malpractice.

It can also be difficult to prove that a delayed diagnosis occurred, which is why you will need to collect as much evidence as you can about your experience, including medical documentation. An attorney will help you investigate your claim and advocate for your rights when it comes to pursuing compensation and holding the parties responsible for your delayed diagnosis accountable.

Contact a Chicago, IL Delayed Diagnosis Attorney

As a patient, you no doubt want to put your trust in a medical professional, and experiencing a delayed diagnosis can be a life-changing occurrence. A knowledgeable Chicago, IL delayed diagnosis lawyer is essential to pursuing a claim against the medical facility or professional who failed to diagnose you properly.

At Winters Salzetta O'Brien & Richardson, LLC, our attorneys are highly experienced in protecting our client’s rights and fighting against large medical groups and professionals to ensure they are held accountable for medical malpractice. Call 312-236-6324 for a free consultation.