Many medical professionals in Louisiana and across the nation treat a multitude of health conditions each day, many of which may exhibit similar symptoms as other illnesses. With a variety of factors to consider, reaching a correct diagnosis in every scenario can be a challenging task. However, it could also prove vital, as patients who claim to have suffered injury due to an incorrect diagnosis may seek to recover restitution through a medical malpractice claim.
Recent studies suggest that nearly 40 percent of patients who visit a facility for medical care receive either an inaccurate or incomplete diagnosis. In some cases, experts indicate that a patient may be diagnosed with a condition such as the flu, when in fact the patient could be suffering from another condition altogether. These studies also indicate that some patients may have medical issues that go entirely unnoticed.
Incidents involving a misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis may both lead to improper paths of treatment that could have an impact on the health of a patient. These studies indicate that in many cases an incorrect diagnosis might not lead to further harm. Unfortunately in others, similar issues could have devastating consequences that could lead to long-term, or even fatal injuries.
Being accused of failing to properly diagnose and treat a patient can be a harrowing experience. Those who face allegations of medical malpractice may find it beneficial to obtain legal counsel early on for advice on how best to handle the situation. An attorney can help a client in Louisiana gain a better understanding of what to expect from the process and assist him or her in preparing for subsequent legal proceedings by forming a strong defense strategy.
