New Orleans Misdiagnosis Lawyer
Medical malpractice is emerging as the third leading cause of death in the United States, behind heart disease and cancer. Misdiagnosis is the principal source of medical error, accounting for more than a quarter of all medical malpractice claims. In fact, a 25-year study showed misdiagnosis to blame in 44% of patient deaths and nearly 34% of disabilities that resulted from medical malpractice.
Accurate diagnosis is the essential first step to treating disease. A diagnosis that is missed, delayed or misdiagnosed can turn a curable, treatable condition into a terminal illness. Such delays or mistakes are simply inexcusable when a patient’s life and health are on the line. If you’ve suffered due to a misdiagnosis of cancer or other serious health condition, the New Orleans misdiagnosis lawyers at the Palazzo Law Firm can help you hold negligent doctors and hospitals accountable for the harm they’ve caused.
What conditions are most often misdiagnosed in New Orleans hospitals?
The most serious conditions that are most commonly diagnosed include:
- Cancer, especial breast cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, cervical cancer and testicular cancer
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Pulmonary embolism/deep vein thrombosis, which can lead to stroke
- Appendicitis
- Infection/sepsis, which can cause organ failure or death
- Pneumonia, which can also cause organ failure or death
How is misdiagnosis prevented?
The same set of symptoms can often be attributed to a number of different illnesses. This is why a differential diagnosis is a key part of the diagnostic process. A differential diagnosis, by definition, is the process of differentiating between two or more conditions which share similar signs or symptoms. Too often, however, doctors rush through the diagnostic process in a busy emergency room or crowded waiting room. Others may deliberately skip costly tests that could rule out or pinpoint a serious condition, often due to cost-containment pressure from insurance companies.
Hospitals instead need to create an environment where accurate diagnosis is encouraged and enabled. This includes putting practices and procedures in place to facilitate communication among staff and departments and provide adequate training to staff. There are also many technological solutions hospitals can implement to ensure a more accurate diagnostic process, including implementing a system for reporting errors or breakdowns so the process can be continually improved.
How are misdiagnosis errors proven?
Proving that patient harm resulted from a misdiagnosis usually makes for a complicated medical malpractice case. An injury victim must be able to prove that the doctor or hospital failed to follow best practices and that the outcome would have been different and better had there been an earlier, accurate diagnosis. With over 25 years of experience handling medical malpractice cases in New Orleans, the attorneys at the Palazzo Law Firm are skilled in the process of engaging with medical experts, reviewing medical records and gathering the facts needed to prove a case of misdiagnosis medical malpractice. We devote the time and resources necessary to build a strong case and achieve the best result possible in every case.
Call Palazzo Law Firm Attorneys after Misdiagnosis Malpractice in New Orleans
If you believe a misdiagnosis or other medical error may have caused you harm, call the Palazzo Law Firm in Gretna at 504-433-1442 for a free consultation with aggressive and successful New Orleans medical malpractice lawyers who are committed to your healing and recovery.
