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Can I Sue My Doctor for an Incorrect Medical Diagnosis?

January 21, 2024 | Medical Malpractice

Stethoscope on medical formDealing with an incorrect medical diagnosis can be a distressing experience, leaving individuals questioning their options for recourse. Fortunately, patients have the legal right to pursue a lawsuit against a doctor for an incorrect medical diagnosis, but pursuing a claim involves understanding specific legal elements. Understanding the legal elements necessary to pursue a lawsuit against a doctor for an inaccurate medical diagnosis is crucial for those seeking justice in the face of potential medical malpractice.

With decades of expertise and recognition by esteemed legal organizations, including the American College of Trial Lawyers and the National Board of Trial Advocacy, The Attorneys of Goza & Honnold can thoroughly investigate your case. We understand the complexities of medical malpractice claims and can guide you through the legal process, ensuring your rights are protected. Schedule a free consultation with Goza & Honnold today, and let us help you navigate the legal process. Your well-being matters, and our commitment is to assist you in seeking fair compensation.

Understanding the Legal Elements of Suing for a Misdiagnosis

Receiving an incorrect medical diagnosis can have profound consequences, impacting not only your physical health but also your overall well-being. Patients have the right to seek legal recourse when faced with a misdiagnosis, but pursuing a lawsuit requires meeting specific legal elements. 

Violation of Standard of Care

The foundation of any medical malpractice case, including those involving misdiagnosis, rests on establishing a violation of the standard of care. This standard represents the level of care a reasonable and competent healthcare professional in the same field would provide under similar circumstances. To sue a doctor for misdiagnosis, you and your lawyer must prove that the doctor deviated from this standard, failing to meet the expected level of care.

Doctor-Patient Relationship

A crucial element in a medical malpractice case is establishing a doctor-patient relationship. This relationship must be evident through records demonstrating that you sought the defendant’s doctor’s professional services for a medical diagnosis and treatment. Without a clear doctor-patient relationship, the legal grounds for a lawsuit become challenging to establish.

Causation

Proving causation is essential in a misdiagnosis case. It requires demonstrating that the incorrect diagnosis directly led to harm or exacerbated an existing condition. This element involves establishing a clear link between the doctor’s negligence in providing an inaccurate diagnosis and the resulting negative consequences for the patient.

Damages

For a lawsuit to proceed, the patient must have suffered actual damages due to the misdiagnosis. Damages can include medical expenses, emotional distress, loss of income, and any other tangible losses incurred due to the incorrect diagnosis. 

These legal elements collectively form the basis for suing a doctor for an incorrect medical diagnosis. If you believe you have experienced a misdiagnosis and are considering legal action, seeking the assistance of experienced professionals like Goza & Honnold is crucial. With their decades of experience and recognition by prestigious legal organizations, they can thoroughly investigate your case, guide you through the legal process, and help you understand your rights. Remember, you don’t have to face the consequences of a misdiagnosis alone—consult with The Attorneys of Goza & Honnold to explore your options and seek the justice you deserve.

Contact an Experienced Medical Malpractice Attorney

Facing the repercussions of an incorrect medical diagnosis can be a challenging ordeal. However, individuals have the legal right to seek accountability when healthcare providers fail to meet the expected standard of care, resulting in a misdiagnosis. Establishing the necessary legal elements, such as a violation of the standard of care, a clear doctor-patient relationship, causation, and measurable damages, is crucial for those considering legal action in the wake of a misdiagnosis.

Goza & Honnold, with decades of experience and recognition by esteemed legal organizations, including the American College of Trial Lawyers and the National Board of Trial Advocacy, can be your advocates in pursuing justice. Our dedicated team is ready to thoroughly investigate your case, guide you through the legal process, and help you understand your rights. Contact our firm today to schedule a consultation by calling (913) 451-3433 or completing our contact form.