Doctors hold one of the most respected and important roles in our society, as they are entrusted with caring for and healing our population. They are also expected to be able to successfully diagnose and treat any medical condition in a reasonable amount of time, or refer an individual to a specialist if the nature of the illness is above their head.
Unfortunately, many doctors are unwilling to pass off their patients and instead, continue to try and diagnose their patients to no avail. In these instances, doctors are guilty of “failure to diagnose,”
The Dangers of Failure to Diagnose
Studies show that 40% of all medical malpractice suits are because of a doctor’s failure to diagnose a patient. This statistic is understandably large when you consider the dangers of this situation.
Many illnesses and diseases are time-sensitive in nature, meaning that the longer they go untreated, the worse they get. One of the most glaring examples of this is cancer. If a doctor fails to diagnose a person with cancer, the cancer will continue to spread and worsen. By the time a doctor does identify the disease (if ever), the disease may have developed to a point that it is no longer treatable, or the treatment options available may be extreme and invasive.
The Role of Insurance Companies
Not only are doctors the recipients of failure to diagnose charges, but insurance companies can also be charged with “failure to diagnose.” In some instances, insurance companies have bureaucratic processes and policies that require policy holders to wait a dangerously long time before they can receive medical attention. These delays can mean the difference between life and death for some patients.
If you or someone you know has failed to be diagnosed by a doctor, it is important to secure legal representation as soon as possible.
Speak with a Minneapolis Malpractice Attorney
Contact the Minneapolis medical malpractice lawyers of Terry, Slane & Ruohonen, P.L.L.C. today at 612-362-0000 to learn more about your legal options.
