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How much do you trust your doctor? Mistrust in the media, politicians, and other professionals is skyrocketing in 2021. Despite that, about 75% of Americans still have a positive view of doctors.
Doctors can do a lot of harm, though, especially when they misdiagnose their patients. Were you recently misdiagnosed? Did you suffer harm from your doctor’s treatment plan? If so, then you’re likely wondering — can you sue a doctor for a misdiagnosis?
We know how expensive medical care is right now. If you’re concerned about being eligible for compensation, we can help. Read on to discover whether you have a claim or not.
What’s a Misdiagnosis?
When you visit the doctor, you expect them to be able to figure out what’s going on with your health. While it might appear simple to diagnose someone, it’s far from easy. A doctor must consider:
- Your medical history
- Your specific symptoms
- Countless conditions and their various symptoms
It’s also called practicing medicine for a reason. While we don’t like to admit it, there’s a lot of trial and error when it comes to diagnosing a patient.
A misdiagnosis happens when your doctor diagnoses you with the wrong condition. Often, that means you get set up with a treatment plan that’s either unhelpful or hurtful.
Can You Sue a Doctor For a Misdiagnosis?
So, what can happen if you get misdiagnosed? First of all, your original condition is likely to get worse without treatment. On top of that, your treatment plan could cause irreversible harm, too.
Your health is at risk after a misdiagnosis. The worst part is that you’re not likely to even be aware of the situation! You’re only likely to figure out you’ve gotten misdiagnosed if you seek a second opinion. Or, you might realize the mistake after a long period of failed treatments.
So, can you file a claim against your doctor? That’s a complex question to answer. What it comes down to, though, is whether your doctor was negligent or not.
Would another reasonable doctor have misdiagnosed you? If not, then that’s considered negligence. If another doctor would’ve made the same mistake, then it’s not negligence.
How to Get Started on a Claim
Since you’re not a medical expert, it’s a challenge to figure out if your doctor was negligent. In most situations, you’ll need to consult with a medical expert to determine the answer. So, how do you get in touch with a medical expert?
That’s where a good attorney, like Jamie Cogburn, comes in. They’ll have the resources to determine if you have a claim or not.
Focusing on Your Recovery
So, can you sue a doctor for a misdiagnosis? If your doctor was negligent, then the answer is yes. While it’s complicated to determine medical negligence, a skilled attorney can help. If you suffered significant losses due to a misdiagnosis, then don’t wait to pursue a claim.
Are you looking for more important information to help you thrive through 2021? Whether you’re looking for legal, financial, or lifestyle advice, we can help. Keep looking through our articles to see more of our best content.
