Failure To Diagnose

Copyright (c) 2011 Julie Glynn

If medical professionals fail to diagnose an illness or a condition, a patient is likely to suffer as a result. For example, it may mean a patient is left in extreme pain, has a poorer prognosis of recovery, or in the most serious cases it may even lead to death. If you or a loved one has been affected by a failure to diagnose, then you may wish to consult a medical negligence solicitor, as you may be able to claim compensation.

Failure To Diagnose and Medical Negligence.

Failure to diagnose - as well as a delay in diagnosis - can often amount to medical negligence. This is because medical professionals have a duty to recognise signs and symptoms of illness, and make a prompt analysis of the situation. If a doctor is aware of a patient's symptoms but is unsure of the causation, then every effort should be taken to ensure the correct diagnosis is secured.

A failure to diagnose can happen with any illness and may occur for a number of reasons. Often, however, it is because the symptoms are mistaken for something else, or because medical staff did not carry out the correct tests. Over our 25 years of experience, some of the most common cases we have seen include the failure to diagnose:-

* Breast cancer;

* Lung cancer;

* Colorectal cancer;

* Heart attack;

* Appendicitis;

* Fractures;

* Diabetes.

In the majority of cases, a failure to diagnose can mean that a patient is left to endure pain and suffering without receiving treatment to alleviate the problem. The absence of correct treatment also means that a patient's condition is likely to deteriorate. In some examples, particularly in cancer cases, this can result in a patient progressing into the later stages of illness. In turn, the likelihood of a full recovery being made is dramatically decreased.

Furthermore, many illnesses rely upon a prompt diagnosis. Appendicitis and heart attacks, for example, must be treated as quickly as possible. If there is a delay then the situation can rapidly lead to death.

Who To Consult if NHS Fail To Diagnose.

If you or a loved one has suffered as a result of a failure to diagnose, then who should you consult?

Firstly, if you might wish to make a formal complaint against the General Practitioner or hospital that is responsible. However, this may not provide a satisfactory outcome, and if this is so you might want to consider taking legal action. It is possible that you could make a medical negligence claim, which would cover the pain and suffering caused to you and your family from a failure to diagnose, as well as any expenses you have lost as a result. For more information, you should speak to a medical negligence solicitor without delay.

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