We rely on our physicians for many different things. When we are feeling ill, have an emergency, or must undergo surgery to correct an issue, we call upon our doctors to help treat and/or mend our condition. We often trust the word of our doctor without even questioning their judgement which can sometimes put individuals at risk of being misdiagnosed. Did you know that after the Mayo Clinic conducted a study, it was determined that only 12 percent of patients were correctly diagnosed by their primary care physicians [Source: AARP]?
The source went on to explain that more than 20% of the patients who participated in the study had been misdiagnosed while 66% required some type of modification to their initial diagnosis. A total of 286 patients were involved in the study and they ranged in age from 15 to over 80 years old. The study, which was conducted by an internal medicine group from the Mayo Clinic who specialize in uncertain diagnoses, analyzed “face-to-face meetings between physicians and patients, as well as a review of medical records” to gather data and evaluate it.
Based on the outcome of the study, it is clear that misdiagnoses are more common than we think, which is a serious issue for those who are suffering from conditions that require immediate treatment. The fact is, when a person is misdiagnosed, it can not only have an adverse effect on their health, but it also puts them at risk of not receiving the care and treatment they require which could cause them to suffer from serious complications. According to previous studies, “diagnostic errors contribute to about 10 percent of patient deaths and six to 17 percent of adverse events in hospitals.”
What should I do if I was misdiagnosed by a physician?
If you or someone you know was misdiagnosed which had led to your condition worsening or you suffering from additional medical issues, contact Madison, MS personal injury attorney William E. Ballard today. You may be able to file what is called a medical malpractice lawsuit against the physician and/or the facility in which they work out of if it can be proven that the doctor’s negligence led to your misdiagnosis. Doctors are required to provide their patients with a standard level of care and anything that doesn’t meet that requirement could lead to a health care provider being held accountable when a mistake is made.
How can a Madison, MS personal injury attorney help me if I was misdiagnosed?
When you choose to retain a MS personal injury lawyer to help file this type of lawsuit, you increase your chances of obtaining a successful outcome. Most medical malpractice victims often seek compensation for damages they suffered as a result of the error. For example, if your misdiagnosis led to you suffering from a more severe condition that required you to undergo surgery or other types of treatment, you can request that compensation be paid to cover the medical expenses that accrued for the care you had rendered. You could also request that the party you are suing provide you with compensation for the loss of enjoyment of life if the misdiagnosis has impacted your ability to live and enjoy life the way you once did.
With that said, if you would like to learn more about filing a medical malpractice lawsuit in the state of Mississippi as well as what you might be entitled to collect for the damages you suffered, contact Ballard Law, PLLC today to schedule a time to come in for a free case review.
You can reach Ballard Law, PLLC. at:
108 S. President Street
Jackson, MS 39201
769-572-5111
Website: www.ballardlaw.ms
