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doctor diagnosing a patientWe rely on doctors and other medical professionals to promptly and properly diagnose serious medical conditions so we can pursue the best course of treatment. When a physician misdiagnoses or fails to diagnose an illness or condition, it increases the serious risks associated with delayed diagnosis and treatment, including worsening health conditions or even death.

If a healthcare provider’s diagnostic error harmed you, you may have legal options. The Greenville medical misdiagnosis lawyers at The Melonakos Law Firm are ready to work to hold negligent medical professionals accountable and pursue compensation for the harm they cause.

Contact us today to set up a free consultation with an experienced medical malpractice lawyer in Greenville, South Carolina.

Reasons Why You Should Choose Our Medical Misdiagnosis Attorneys

When choosing a medical misdiagnosis lawyer in Greenville to represent you in a claim against a healthcare provider, you need an attorney with experience and a strong track record. The Melonakos Law Firm has recovered over $50 million for our clients over the past decade-plus. We’re not afraid to take a case to trial if doing so provides the greatest chance of securing a favorable outcome for an injured client.

Check out our many positive client testimonials to find out more about what it is like to work with our attorneys. For example, Kelli, a former client, writes:

“I never felt out of the loop or uninformed in any way. If I had a question, they were very fast to respond. Leah is excellent with follow-up and communicating. JP closed out my case and he was professional, caring, and kind. I hope I never need an injury attorney again, but if I do, I know who I am calling. Thank you for everything!”

The failure to diagnose attorneys at The Melonakos Law Firm are available 24/7 to discuss your case. Let us help you understand your legal options and the next steps in pursuing the justice you deserve.

What Are Medical Misdiagnosis and Failure to Diagnose?

Medical misdiagnosis and failure to diagnose can both lead to severe harm for patients, as they may delay treatment or result in the wrong type of care. However, there are some key distinctions between these types of errors.

  • Misdiagnosis occurs when a healthcare provider incorrectly identifies a patient’s condition. The mistake often leads to unnecessary treatments that may harm the patient while failing to address the actual condition. Incorrectly diagnosing one illness in place of another can cause significant delays in a patient receiving the necessary medical treatment.
  • Failure to diagnose, on the other hand, happens when a doctor fails to recognize a medical condition altogether. The oversight can occur despite clear signs or symptoms of an illness. Without a diagnosis, the patient may not receive any medical care, allowing the condition to worsen.

Both misdiagnosis and failure to diagnose are forms of diagnostic errors that can stem from a healthcare provider’s negligence. These mistakes violate the standard of care expected within the medical profession. Patients harmed by such errors may be entitled to compensation if they can prove that their healthcare provider failed to act reasonably under the circumstances.

Common Types of Medical Misdiagnosis or Failure to Diagnose in Healthcare

Medical misdiagnosis and failure to diagnose can occur in various forms. While each case is unique, some conditions are more prone to diagnostic errors than others. Some common examples of misdiagnosis include:

  • Misdiagnosing a heart attack as indigestion or acid reflux
  • Mistaking a stroke for a migraine or simple headache
  • Confusing lung cancer with pneumonia
  • Diagnosing appendicitis as a stomach virus or gastrointestinal issue
  • Identifying a tumor as a benign cyst or non-threatening condition

Some typical examples of failure to diagnose include:

  • Failing to recognize signs of cancer, such as in breast, prostate, or colon cancers
  • Missing a diagnosis of a heart attack or stroke despite symptoms in the emergency room
  • Overlooking meningitis in a child presenting with fever and neck stiffness
  • Not diagnosing diabetes, leading to untreated high blood sugar
  • Failing to detect infections like sepsis, which can rapidly become life-threatening

These and similar examples highlight the serious consequences of diagnostic errors that may lead to worsened health, permanent complications, disabilities, or even death.

Who Could Be Liable in a Misdiagnosis or Failure to Diagnose Case?

Several parties may be liable for negligence in a medical misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose case. Depending on the facts of your situation, you may be entitled to file claims against:

  • Doctors or specialists who fail to correctly identify a condition
  • Nurses who overlook critical symptoms or miscommunicate information
  • Hospitals that fail to provide appropriate resources or care
  • Medical technicians who improperly interpret lab results or imaging or fail to accurately communicate test results
  • Pharmacists who dispense incorrect medications
  • Other medical providers who fail to refer patients to specialists when necessary

Legal Requirements for Medical Malpractice Claims in Greenville, SC

You must meet specific legal requirements when filing a medical malpractice case related to misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose. First, you must prove that the healthcare provider had a duty to provide appropriate care and that they breached this duty through negligence. Second, you must show that the misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose directly caused harm, such as worsened health or unnecessary treatments.

Additionally, under South Carolina law, you must bring most medical malpractice lawsuits within three years from the date of injury or discovery, although exceptions may apply in some cases. An experienced medical misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose lawyer from The Melonakos Law Firm can review the facts of your case to ensure we file all paperwork ahead of the applicable legal deadlines.

How Our Lawyers Can Help You Prove Medical Negligence in Misdiagnosis Cases

Diagnostic errors can cause considerable stress and anxiety, in addition to the physical complications that result from failing to receive the treatment you need. You deserve to be able to focus on your health. You shouldn’t feel any pressure to take the lead on pursuing a claim against a negligent provider. Instead, turn to the Greenville wrong diagnosis attorneys at The Melonakos Law Firm.

Our team will thoroughly investigate your case, gathering the necessary evidence to identify all liable parties and prepare a robust claim on your behalf. We’ll present the claim to the insurance company, highlighting your healthcare provider’s negligence and arguing for the full compensation you deserve. If the insurer won’t offer a fair settlement, we won’t hesitate to file a lawsuit and pursue justice in court.

You deserve nothing but attentive and supportive legal advocacy during this difficult time. Let The Melonakos Law Firm help. Contact us right away to discuss your case with a Greenville medical malpractice lawyer.

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