Olympia Wrong Diagnosis Lawyers

Misdiagnosis of an illness or medical condition can cause a multitude of damages, from additional medical bills to lost wages while receiving treatment, and more. Misdiagnosis is even the leading cause of medical malpractice suits, according to a 2013 study published in BMJ Quality & Safety. If you or a loved one is the victim of a wrong diagnosis, give Ron Meyers & Associates a call now at (360) 459-5600.

Understanding Cases Involving Wrong Diagnosis

Commonly Misdiagnosed Diseases

Any condition or disease has the potential for misdiagnosis when a medical professional provides negligent care. However, there are some conditions that medical professionals may misdiagnose more commonly than others. A Health.com article from September 2014 provided a list of diseases that doctors may misdiagnose.

IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
Celiac disease
Fibromyalgia
Rheumatoid arthritis
Multiple sclerosis
Lyme disease
Lupus
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Appendicitis
Endometriosis
Migraines
Cluster headaches
Hypothyroidism
Diabetes
Inflammatory bowel disease

Other serious conditions that doctors may misdiagnose include heart attack and cancer.

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Causes of Misdiagnosis

Doctors should maintain a reasonable standard of care when a patient seeks treatment, and failure to do so – such as not properly evaluating a patient with chest pain – can lead to a misdiagnosis. Some doctors may be overconfident in their initial diagnosis and may not consider alternatives. Some may misread tests, fail to order appropriate tests, or may overlook key signs and symptoms. Miscommunication among healthcare professionals also can lead to misdiagnosis in some cases.

Dangers of Misdiagnosis

A misdiagnosis can be extremely dangerous for a patient. First, a patient who is misdiagnosed may receive medical treatment for a condition that he or she does not have, which can be dangerous. For example, if a patient is wrongly diagnosed with cancer, he or she may undergo chemotherapy, which can have various complications.

The other, more pressing concern of a misdiagnosis is that the patient’s actual condition goes untreated. If a patient has cancer, for example, but the doctor misdiagnoses it as something else, the patient may not receive the proper treatment. The cancer may spread throughout the patient’s body, leading to severe complications and, in some cases, death.

Who’s liable for a misdiagnosis?

If a doctor should have made a proper diagnosis but failed to do so because of a preventable error, such as failing to order a test or interpret blood work properly, then he or she may be liable for any subsequent harm the patient sustains. However, if the misdiagnosis doesn’t cause harm, then the patient cannot file a claim.

A patient can file a medical malpractice suit when a medical professional fails to act with a reasonable standard of care with which another professional would provide care. If you believe that your healthcare provider violated this standard, speak with an attorney about filing a medical malpractice claim.

Washington State Law and Medical Malpractice

In Washington State, an injured person must file a medical malpractice claim within three years of the date of malpractice or within one year of the date of discovery, whichever comes later, per the Revised Code of Washington Section 4.16.350.

Recoverable damages in a medical malpractice case include both economic and noneconomic damages. Injured patients may recover damages related to their medical bills, lost wages while receiving treatment or while recovering from treatment, pain and suffering, and more. A lawyer can review the circumstances and effects of the misdiagnosis to help estimate the damages you may recover.

Case Results

$4,255,555

Neglect, drowning, and cognitive impairment of a vulnerable adult under DSHS care and supervision.

$2,816,040

Catastrophic career ending injury claim in Grays Harbor County.

$2,501,808

Career ending injury and infection claim in King County.

Our Approach to Cases Involving Wrong Diagnosis

At Ron Meyers & Associates PLLC, we understand the profound impact that a wrong diagnosis can have on your health, well-being, and overall quality of life. Our dedicated legal team is committed to helping individuals who have suffered due to medical misdiagnosis navigate the complexities of seeking justice and compensation.

Compassionate Advocacy

Our approach begins with compassion and empathy for individuals who have experienced the frustration and hardship of a wrong diagnosis. We recognize that these cases can be emotionally challenging, and we offer unwavering support throughout the legal process.

Expertise in Medical Misdiagnosis

With our extensive experience in handling medical misdiagnosis cases, we possess a deep understanding of the medical field, diagnostic procedures, and the standards of care expected from healthcare providers. Our team includes seasoned experts who are well-versed in the intricacies of these cases.

Comprehensive Case Evaluation

We conduct thorough and meticulous evaluations of each case involving a wrong diagnosis. Our goal is to uncover the root causes of the misdiagnosis, whether it resulted from negligence, misreading of tests, or other factors. This comprehensive approach allows us to build a strong case on your behalf.

Collaborative Legal Strategies

Our legal team collaborates closely with clients, involving them in the decision-making process. We believe that your insights are invaluable in shaping our legal strategies. We keep you informed and empowered, ensuring that you are an active participant in pursuing justice.

Pursuing Accountability

Our unwavering commitment is to hold healthcare providers accountable for their actions. If a wrong diagnosis has caused you harm, we will tirelessly advocate on your behalf to seek justice and recover the compensation you deserve. We believe that accountability is essential in preventing future misdiagnoses.

Protecting Your Rights

We prioritize your rights and well-being. Our team diligently examines the facts of your case, works with medical experts, and navigates the legal complexities to ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal proceedings.

Comprehensive Damages Recovery

We understand that a wrong diagnosis can lead to significant financial burdens, emotional distress, and physical suffering. We work diligently to recover damages on your behalf, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Washington State Advocacy

Our legal practice is rooted in Washington State, and we are well-versed in the unique laws and regulations governing medical malpractice cases in the state. We guide our clients through the specific legal requirements and statutes relevant to their cases.

How Ron Meyers & Associates Can Help with Cases Involving Wrong Diagnosis

Contact Us for Support

If you or a loved one has experienced the consequences of a wrong diagnosis, we encourage you to reach out to Ron Meyers & Associates PLLC. Let us be your dedicated legal advocates, committed to securing justice, accountability, and compensation on your behalf. Schedule a free case consultation today by calling (360) 459-5600.

Contact a Medical Malpractice Attorney at Ron Meyers & Associates

If you or a loved one is the victim of wrong diagnosis that caused you harm, get in touch with the attorneys at Ron Meyers & Associates PLLC. We’ll help you identify and exercise your legal rights. To set up a free case consultation, call us at (360) 459-5600.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cases Involving Wrong Diagnosis

A wrong diagnosis occurs when a healthcare professional incorrectly identifies a patient’s medical condition, disease, or illness. It involves providing an inaccurate assessment or diagnosis that may lead to inappropriate treatment or a failure to address the actual medical issue.

Some commonly misdiagnosed diseases and conditions include IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), Celiac disease, Fibromyalgia, Rheumatoid arthritis, Multiple sclerosis, Lyme disease, Lupus, Polycystic ovary syndrome, Appendicitis, Endometriosis, Migraines, Cluster headaches, Hypothyroidism, Diabetes, Inflammatory bowel disease, as well as more serious conditions like heart attacks and cancer.

A wrong diagnosis can have serious consequences, including receiving unnecessary treatment for a condition that isn’t present, delayed treatment for the actual condition, physical and emotional harm, financial burdens from additional medical bills, and in severe cases, complications or death due to untreated medical conditions.

Healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, specialists, and medical facilities, can be held liable for a wrong diagnosis if they provided negligent care, failed to meet the standard of care, misread tests, or overlooked key signs and symptoms, resulting in harm to the patient.

To determine if you have a medical malpractice case due to a wrong diagnosis, it’s advisable to consult with an experienced attorney. They can evaluate your case, review medical records, and consult with experts to determine if the healthcare provider failed to meet the standard of care, leading to harm.

In Washington State, a medical malpractice claim must be filed within three years of the date of malpractice or within one year of the date of discovery, whichever comes later, as per the Revised Code of Washington Section 4.16.350.

Damages recoverable in a medical malpractice case involving a wrong diagnosis may include economic damages (such as medical expenses and lost wages), noneconomic damages (such as pain and suffering), and other related costs resulting from the misdiagnosis.

An attorney can assist you by evaluating your case, gathering evidence, consulting with medical experts, filing the necessary legal documents, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing your interests in court if a settlement cannot be reached. They aim to secure justice, accountability, and compensation on your behalf.