Unfortunately, medical malpractice happens far too often in the Bronx and far more often than most people realize. One of the most common forms of medical malpractice is misdiagnosis. Not having a serious illness correctly diagnosed by a medical professional can lead to serious injury, suffering or even death. Everyone should be educated on this threat so they can seek second opinions when necessary and possibly obtain compensation in a court of law if harmed by this kind of malpractice.
What Are Common Misdiagnoses in the Emergency Room?
One of the places where misdiagnosis is likely to occur is the emergency room. Examination of different emergency room medical malpractice cases has produced statistics on the most common forms of misdiagnosis in the ER. The following illnesses are often misdiagnosed:
- heart attack
- stroke
- spinal cord compression
- venous thromboembolism (a form of blood clot)
- aortic aneurism
What Is Medical Malpractice Negligence?
Some people may be confused about what kind of medical treatment would constitute medical malpractice. It is not simply any treatment that goes wrong. This is because many medical treatments involve a significant amount of risk that cannot be removed no matter how skilled or knowledgeable a medical professional is. Instead, it is the existence of negligence that determines the existence of medical malpractice. This occurs when a medical professional acts well below the standards of care and knowledge they should have in this industry. Misdiagnosis for well-known illnesses certainly qualifies.
What Are the Options After a Misdiagnosis?
If you suspect you have been misdiagnosed by a medical professional, you should act to get a second opinion immediately. Doing so could save your life. It never hurts to be suspicious when it comes to your health. Unfortunately, many people do not receive a second opinion before the damage is done. At that point, you might seek compensation through a medical malpractice lawsuit.