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Diagnostic tests such as x-rays and ultrasounds may only be as effective as those who are interpreting them, unfortunately, and when doctors fail to notice or diagnose conditions revealed by these tests, it can result in severe injuries. The Chicago medical malpractice attorneys of Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers routinely seek compensation on behalf of clients for the medical attention, pain and suffering and out of pocket expenses resulting from these failed diagnoses. It is only reasonable to expect physicians to accurately identify injuries, medical conditions and other identifiable concerns when performing these expensive tests and you should not shoulder the bill for medical treatment associated with a failed diagnosis.
Critical Conditions Identified Through Imaging Scans
X-rays, ultrasounds and imaging scans allow us to do what was once impossible— look beyond the external surface of the body and identify injuries and areas of concern. From determining whether an athlete or accident victim has a broken bone to diagnosing the spread of an infection within the body, these tests are extremely useful. Some of the more serious concerns that can be identified through imaging scans include the following.
- Developmental problems throughout the course of pregnancy. It is important to identify risks and potential life threatening conditions throughout the course of pregnancy which could allow doctors to reduce the risk of birth defects or injuries at birth. For example, an ultrasound during labor can let doctors know that the umbilical cord has become wrapped around the child’s neck, resulting in an emergency response to save the child’s life and prevent brain damage.
- Internal wounds, bleeding or hemorrhaging. In the event that a patient is bleeding from within, the failure to locate the internal wound and provide treatment can result in severe damage to internal organs or death.
- Traumatic brain injuries. These types of injuries do not always present with symptoms initially and by the time patients do exhibit signs of an injury, the damage has become extensive. Following trauma to the head, it is always advisable to undergo testing for a TBI regardless of how you feel, as the early diagnosis of a brain injury leads to a much more favorable prognosis.
- Development or spread of cancer. The survival rate of cancer patients in early stages is exponentially higher than those whose cancer has progressed or spread to other areas of the body. Failure to diagnose cancer can become a death sentence, as most Stage IV cancers have survival rates under 20%.
Our Chicago misdiagnosis attorneys were alarmed to discover through a study conducted in the British Medical Journal that over 40,000 patients die yearly because their doctors failed to diagnosis their conditions. This is simply unacceptable and it is important that doctors take the time needed to examine and interpret the results of diagnostic tests so that their diagnosis can be accurate and treatment recommendations appropriate.
Doctors are Not Solely Liable
If your doctor failed to diagnose your condition, it is important that you identify what went wrong and whose fault it is, not only so that you don’t seek compensation from the wrong party, but also to increase your chances of successfully recovering compensation. Before doctors are able to interpret test results, the tests must be administered and then handled by lab technicians who may commit errors of their own. While mistakes are to be expected out of human beings, it is reasonable to expect a lab to double check results and make sure that tests are performed properly prior to handing the tests off to your doctor. It is then up to your doctor to interpret the information properly and diagnose your injury or medical condition so that you may receive the proper treatment.
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers are award winning attorneys who have represented thousands of patients across Illinois who suffered severe complications or injuries— all because their doctors couldn’t provide an accurate diagnosis. If you have been injured or someone you care about passed away due to a medical error of this magnitude, we will fight on your behalf to ensure that you receive the justice and compensation that you are entitled to for the cost of your medical treatment, lost wages, out of pocket expenses, rehabilitative therapy, long term care and pain and suffering.
Contact us right now to arrange a free consultation with one of our Chicago medical malpractice attorneys so that we can review your case, discuss your legal options and conduct an investigation into the matter to determine whether you have a solid case. Our lawyers work solely on a contingency basis, which means you are assured that you will never be required to remit payment upfront and if we fail to secure compensation on your behalf, we will waive our fee for our services and time.
