You know that health care providers are human and can make mistakes, but that doesn’t help if you’re injured through malpractice. You might expect wrongdoing to involve errors that cause immediate injury, but it also happens in other ways — some of them unexpected.
For example, misdiagnosing a patient that does not have cancer can sicken them gradually as time passes. Misdiagnoses are a common reason patients seek economic compensation through a medical malpractice claim.
Why is a false cancer diagnosis harmful?
First, you probably won’t get the medicines and therapies required for your actual (and misdiagnosed) medical condition. If your real illness requires emergency medical care or surgery, the wrong diagnosis could put your life at risk.
Secondly, cancer treatments must usually be aggressive in nature to eradicate cancerous cells. Those who receive unneeded chemotherapy can become seriously ill from exposure to toxic chemicals. Common problems include weight loss, peripheral neuropathy and an increased chance of developing cancer later.
Should you seek a second opinion?
A second medical opinion is nearly always wise after being told you have a life-threatening illness. A fresh medical perspective may find anomalies or signs of a different condition your first doctor missed. A third opinion may even be warranted if you obtain two completely unrelated diagnoses.
What are your options when a misdiagnosis harms you?
It is unlikely that the doctor who incorrectly diagnosed you will accept the blame. They know that any admission of fault will increase their legal woes.
For most victims, filing a medical malpractice claim is the ideal way to obtain sufficient compensation. If you aren’t certain you have a case, learning more about New Jersey medical malpractice laws may help you determine your next steps.
