A wrong diagnosis usually occurs in emergency room and intensive care units. Though it is difficult to determine exact figures, the National Patient Safety Foundation estimates that as many as 40 percent of the diagnoses in an emergency room may be incorrect to some degree. Even an incorrect subtype diagnosis (i.e., one in which the overall condition has been correctly identified but the specific type has been misdiagnosed), can pose a threat to the patient.

While some diseases and conditions are inherently difficult to diagnose, medical practitioners have a professional and legal obligation to provide attentive, diligent care to their patients. A misdiagnosis of a common ailment or condition that has conspicuous symptoms can be grounds for filing a misdiagnosis claim. If it can be proven that a healthcare provider failed to perform his or her duties with an acceptable and professional level of competence, that individual may be held liable for medical malpractice.

Orlando Medical Malpractice Contact Information

Misdiagnosis occurs when a medical professional inaccurately evaluates and diagnoses a patient's condition. If you have been the victim of cancer misdiagnosis or any other form of medical negligence or malpractice, you have rights. The medical malpractice lawyers at The Law Office of John H. McElyea, P.A. have the experience needed to help misdiagnosed patients hold negligent medical professionals responsible for their mistakes.