Hospital Negligence: Misdiagnosis & Delayed Diagnosis

When you attend your GP or Hospital you often present with some very specific symptoms which you hope to be diagnosed and treated. Most of the time the underlying problem is identified, and appropriate treatment is provided which leads to a resolution of the symptoms.

But what if the underlying problem is not identified or is wrongly identified as being something that it is not?

If you suffer avoidable injury or loss as a result of either misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis you may be able to claim compensation. This will involve looking at what information was available to the clinician at the times when you presented with the problem.

Here, we explore further what is meant by ‘misdiagnosis’ and ‘delayed’ diagnosis:

Misdiagnosis

Misdiagnosis is the incorrect diagnosis of disease, illness or injury. This is often due to miscommunication between clinicians or lack of experience on their part.

Misdiagnosis can lead to incorrect and ineffective treatment being provided which, in certain circumstances, can have extremely serious consequences.

Misdiagnosis may lead to unnecessary treatment which can cause unnecessary pain and suffering ranging from medication side effects to surgery which was not required.

Further, If you are told that you have a serious condition but are later told that the diagnosis was incorrect, you may suffer psychological harm as a result.

Delayed Diagnosis

A misdiagnosis inevitable leads to a delayed diagnosis of the correct underlying condition. Delayed diagnosis can also occur when you attend your GP or Hospital and are initially told that there is nothing wrong, only for you to be correctly diagnosed at a later date.

For as long as the underlying problem remains undiagnosed and, therefore, untreated, the problem can progress and worsen. This can lead to additional pain and suffering as well as a poorer prognosis due to reduced treatment options when the correct problem is eventually diagnosed.

Common Examples

It is not possible to list all circumstances in which a misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis can occur. However, some common examples are as follows:

• Delayed diagnosis of cancer – you may attend your GP practice with specific symptoms over a prolonged period but they may fail to make the necessary referral. The most common cancers which are delayed in diagnosis are breast cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, and bowel cancer
• Misdiagnosis of a heart condition – you may be diagnosed with a less serious condition when in fact the underlying problem is that of heart failure.
• Misinterpreting test results – a CT scan may show early stages of cancer which are missed by the consultant.
• Delayed diagnosis of infection –you may attend hospital with sepsis and be diagnosed with Anemia or allergic reaction.
• Delayed diagnosis of a fracture or tendon damage – you may attend A&E following an injury and be told that you have suffered a minor sprain when, in fact, you have suffered a fracture or extensive tendon damage (such as ACL tear).

Make a claim

If you or a loved one has suffered due to medical negligence and you would like a free consultation to discuss your options, please call Aston Knight Solicitors today on 0161 399 1231 or click the ‘Contact’ button above to submit an online enquiry and one of our dedicated Solicitors will contact you to discuss your claim further.