Delayed Diagnosis

A delayed diagnosis refers to a patient’s health condition, disease, or aliment that was not diagnosed within a reasonable time frame. When a delayed diagnosis causes undue harm, the patient can file a lawsuit against the physician, hospital or clinic. For example, a physician may fail to detect cancer early enough despite symptoms being present and the cancer spreads due to the physician’s negligence and leads to suffering or death.

A delayed diagnosis can occur the following ways:

  • -Understaffed hospitals
  • Mishandled tests
  • Failure to refer a patient to a specialist
  • Further actions were neglected
  • Doctor dismisses symptoms

When is Delayed Diagnosis Medical Malpractice?

A delayed diagnosis is considered medical malpractice when the physician fails to provide a proper standard of care. Physicians should be able to make a proper diagnosis within a timely manner and early enough to deliver treatment on time and prevent the condition from becoming worse.

Have you experienced a delayed diagnosis that resulted in injury or death of a loved one? Schedule your no-obligation case evaluation at 865-522-4191, or you can email us to discuss your case with a medical malpractice lawyer in Knoxville.