According to a recent study, roughly 12 million adults seeking outpatient medical care are misdiagnosed each year in the United States.
According to a recent study, roughly 12 million adults seeking outpatient medical care are misdiagnosed each year in the United States.
This number amounts to 1 in 20 adult patients and according to researchers, in 50% of these cases, the misdiagnosis can potentially lead to severe harm to the patients. The study also revealed that the estimated number of patients who can be seriously harmed as a result of medical misdiagnosis translates to approximately 6 million outpatients each year.
Injuries Due to Misread X-Ray and Ultrasound
X-rays, ultrasounds and other diagnostic tests may only be as effective as the people who interpret them. When doctors fail to diagnose or notice conditions that are revealed by these tests, it can lead to serious, potentially life-threatening, injuries. Patients in New York who have been injured due to such failed diagnoses can seek compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering and out-of-pocket expenses incurred from their injuries.
It is only reasonable to expect doctors to identify medical conditions, injuries and other identifiable medical problems when they perform these tests and patients should not have to shoulder the bill for medical care that is a result of a failed diagnosis.
Critical Medical Conditions Identified through Diagnostic Imaging Scans
Imaging scans can identify a number of serious health conditions including:
- Developmental issues that occur throughout the course of a pregnancy. Identifying risks and potential life-threatening conditions during a pregnancy is extremely important as it can allow doctors to reduce the risk of birth injuries and birth defects.
- Internal bleeding, wounds, or hemorrhaging. If a patient has internal bleeding, failing to locate the internal wound and provide quick and proper treatment can lead to severe organ damage or even death.
- Traumatic brain injuries. Such injuries do not always show signs or symptoms initially and when patients do eventually show signs of an injury, there can already be extensive damage. If you have suffered trauma to the head, you should undergo testing for a traumatic brain injury (TBI) no matter how you feel. Diagnosing brain injury at the early stage results in a much more favorable prognosis.
- Development or spread of cancer. When cancer is diagnosed and treated in its early stage, it increases the patient’s chances of survival, compared to patients whose cancer has already spread to other parts of the body or has progressed.
You should keep in mind that doctors are not the only medical professionals responsible for test results. Before doctors can interpret test results, it is lab technicians who administer and handle the tests. They may make mistakes of their own. You should find out who is liable for any errors in your test results so that you take legal action and obtain compensation from the right party.
Get Legal Expertise in New York for Misread Diagnostic Tests
If you or a loved one has suffered severe injury due to a misread x-ray or ultrasound, you should immediately seek the help of the qualified and experienced medical malpractice attorneys at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff, & Wolff of RMFW Law at 212-344-1000. That is our number! Use it! You have nothing to lose and so much to gain if your case is viable.
What is your side of the story? These cases are difficult to comprehend but we have the necessary acumen and we have the medical experts to support your word if your case is credible. Call RMFW Law today! We only win if you win; you pay us nothing if we do not come out on top for you.
