The misdiagnosis of symptoms or the failure to diagnose a condition is one of the most common type of medical mistake that can lead to a compensation claim for medical negligence. A misdiagnosis of a medical condition will normally result in a delay in the correct treatment, which can make the medical condition worse. In some cases a misdiagnosis can even be fatal.
A delay in diagnosis or misdiagnosis of a medical condition may deprive a patient of the opportunity to receive the correct medical treatment which could help to significantly improve their condition. This is especially true in relation to conditions where early treatment can be critical, such as the misdiagnosis of cancer.
Unfortunately mistakes do happen, and a misdiagnosis can occur for a number of different reasons. A misdiagnosis could occur due to a lack of training or failing to give the full time and attention to a patient. A mistake could be made by a GP (General Practitioner), a nurse, a consultant, a specialist or an Accident and Emergency Doctor.
As with all personal injury claims, in order to make a successful compensation claim, the negligence (in this case the misdiagnosis of a medical condition) must cause further injury, pain or suffering. A medical misdiagnosis or a delay in diagnosis which does not result in further injury, pain or suffering would not give grounds for a medical negligence claim.
If you feel you may have a potential medical negligence claim, contact the National Accident Helpline on 0800 6783 601 or complete our online personal injury claim form.
Example of a medical misdiagnosis which could give grounds for a medical negligence claim
John goes to the hospital with a leg injury following a football accident. After examining the leg the doctor says that the leg is badly bruised, but does not require an x-ray or any further treatment. Six weeks later John is still finding it painful to walk so goes to his GP, who then refers him back to the hospital. After an x-ray, the doctor discovers that the leg is actually broken. Due to the delay in diagnosis and the fact John has being trying to walk with a broken leg, the injury has been made worse and now requires an operation.
