The misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of a medical condition can lead to catastrophic outcomes for patients. A delay in diagnosis might cause a health issue to deteriorate, potentially to a stage where it is no longer treatable. When this negligence occurs due to a doctor’s mistake or oversight, patients may be able to take legal action through a medical malpractice lawsuit. An Illinois lawyer can help you take the proper steps so you can potentially seek justice.
What Constitutes a Delayed Diagnosis?
A delayed diagnosis occurs when a doctor fails to identify and diagnose a medical condition in a timely manner. This delay can happen for various reasons, including:
- Failure to order proper diagnostic tests
- Misinterpreting test results
- Failing to recognize symptoms