Statistical data indicates that for the first doctor consulted by the patient,the medical condition is correctly diagnosed in only 12% of the cases. Often the doctor may tell the patient that there is no serious health problem or incorrectly diagnose the health problem. Many illnesses have similar symptoms,and inexperienced or incompetent doctors may diagnose the wrong illness. Due to medical misdiagnosis patients may die or suffer permanent injuries,disability due to lack of proper medical care,incorrect medical treatment or delayed medical treatment. Incorrect diagnosis is one of the most common medical mistakes and results in the death of millions of patients worldwide annually.
Though patients who do not provide adequate medical information to the doctor,may be partly responsible for the wrong diagnosis,usually careless,inexperienced or dishonest doctors are responsible for not diagnosing the health problem correctly. Due to incorrect diagnosis of the illness,the patient will be advised the wrong treatment like incorrect medicines,diet,surgery or other methods to correct the health problem. Only when the health condition will worsen or remain the same,the patient may go the same doctor again or visit another doctor for a second opinion.
Doctors can correctly diagnose the medical condition of their patient if they have the relevant experience,knowledge and all necessary information. Patients should be aware that they will not be able to initiate a personal injury case against the doctor just because the doctor does not diagnose the illness correctly since there is no injury to the patient immediately. However if the incorrect diagnosis of the patient will cause permanent injury or death,the patient or a family member can initiate a case of medical practice against the doctor to get compensation for the losses.
Since a large number of patients worldwide die due to medical mistakes,it is important for the patient or his family member to keep proper medical records of the diagnosis of the doctor and treatment suggested,especially for serious illnesses. If the misdiagnosis results in permanent injury to the patient,the doctor can also be sued for the financial losses suffered by the patient. The compensation which the patient or his family will get due to the incorrect diagnosis depends on the education,experience,skills of the patient,whether the illness or medical condition was fatal and other factors. It is also important to consult an experienced medical malpractice attorney specializing in medical malpractice to get the compensation the patient deserves.