Upon visiting a medical facility for treatment, patients in Tennessee and elsewhere may expect doctors to be capable of identifying the cause of their condition in a timely manner. As correctly diagnosing a condition could prove vital to administering the proper path of treatment, any errors during this process could prove harmful to the well-being of a patient. Unfortunately, such scenarios may affect many patients each year, as studies indicate that diagnostic errors continue to be one of the most common forms of medical negligence.
Studies indicate that misdiagnosis continues to be a common concern for many patients. When medical professionals fail to provide an accurate diagnosis for a person’s condition, the subsequent course of treatment might prove ineffective in treating the condition. Studies also suggest that a missed diagnosis could create a scenario in which a person’s condition is left untreated entirely.
Recent studies indicate that diagnostic errors occur during nearly 5% of all outpatient visits. In some cases, such errors may do little to create a hazardous scenario and the effects might go unnoticed altogether. However, sometimes an incorrect or inaccurate diagnosis could bring about complications that may leave a patient with life-altering or even life-threatening injuries.
Those who suffer severe or permanent harm due to diagnostic errors may wish to seek advice on the next steps to take to seek restitution. When medical negligence is responsible for such harm, a person could benefit from retaining the services of an attorney for guidance on how best to approach the situation. An attorney in Tennessee can work with a client in developing a plan to pursue the full amount of compensation deserved through a medical malpractice claim against the party or parties deemed responsible.
