Delayed diagnosis is one of the serious forms of medical malpractice. New York has a history of having the highest number of medical malpractice lawsuits filed in the country. Between 2012 and 2024, there were 15,951 claims against doctors.
Despite the cases significantly decreasing in recent years, with only 398 cases filed in 2023, this is still an ongoing pandemic. Victims need to consult a medical malpractice lawyer in White Plains to ensure they get a fair settlement and the parties responsible are held accountable.
Keep reading to have a better understanding of delayed diagnosis, its causes, and consequences for victims.
What is Delayed Diagnosis?
Delayed diagnosis happens when a medical professional does not diagnose a condition within a reasonable timeframe. This in turn results in treatment delays. Delayed diagnosis is different from misdiagnosis, where the condition is not identified correctly.
Certain conditions, such as cancer, infection, and stroke, are conditions that can worsen over time if not diagnosed on time. Early diagnosis and intervention can make a big difference in a person’s life. For instance, when it comes to cancer, early diagnosis gives a better prognosis, while delayed diagnosis can cause the disease to spread, reducing how effective a treatment will be and the survival rates.
Causes of Delayed Diagnosis
Physician-related errors are a common cause of delayed diagnosis. These include:
- Overlooking symptoms
- Misinterpreting test results
- Not ordering the appropriate tests
- Lack of specialized knowledge
- Relying on outdated diagnostic equipment, methods, and techniques
Another cause of delayed diagnosis is systematic issues. Things like overcrowded hospitals, understaffed facilities, or delays in getting test results contribute to this. Sometimes, poor communication between staff, such as not sharing important patient information, can worsen the issue.
In other cases, patient-related factors like atypical symptoms can lead to delayed diagnosis. Additionally, a patient may be at fault if they don’t seek medical help early because of fear, a lack of awareness, and financial issues.
Consequences of Delayed Diagnosis
The effects of delayed diagnosis affect patients physically, financially, and emotionally. When your diagnosis is delayed, the condition may worsen and enter a more advanced stage that is difficult to treat.
Apart from the physical complications, patients often end up facing emotional distress like anxiety and frustration. This comes from struggling to understand why their condition wasn’t identified sooner and some aspects of self-blame. Families may also experience financial and emotional strain because of increased medical expenses due to advanced treatments and long hospital stays.
The Legal Aspects of Delayed Diagnosis
For a delayed diagnosis to qualify as medical malpractice, the patient must prove:
- Duty of care: The healthcare provider owed the patient a standard duty of care based on their professional relationship.
- Breach of duty: The medical professional did not meet the standard of care by not diagnosing the condition within a certain timeframe.
- Causation: There is a direct link between the delayed diagnosis and the harm a patient suffered.
- Damages: The patient suffered damages like physical pain and financial issues because of the delayed diagnosis.
Conclusion
Delayed diagnosis jeopardizes a patient’s chance of getting treatment and adds to significant financial and emotional burden. Both healthcare providers and patients have a role to play in minimizing delayed diagnosis. By addressing these issues, we can create a safer healthcare system that prioritizes quick and correct diagnoses.
