Baltimore, MD Medical Misdiagnosis Lawyer

A misdiagnosis is not just an inconvenience. For people dealing with serious health issues, a delay in treatment could lead to their condition worsening significantly. If you need help recovering compensation for damages caused by a doctor's negligence, reach out to a Baltimore, Maryland medical misdiagnosis attorney for legal assistance.

Attorney Andrew Serafini of Serafini Law is equipped to handle medical malpractice cases. When you work with our firm, we will conduct a painstaking investigation to identify a breach in a medical professional's duty of care, aggressively pursuing a remedy for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other losses.

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Damages Caused by Delayed Diagnoses

A delayed diagnosis occurs when a medical provider does not identify a condition within a reasonably expected timeframe. While some medical conditions are difficult to detect in their early stages, delays can still create consequences that influence a patient's health, recovery prospects, and financial stability. Delayed diagnoses often arise in cases involving cancer, infections, heart conditions, and other illnesses in which early detection is critical.

When a condition is allowed to progress untreated, the required medical intervention may become more invasive or intensive. A delay may also reduce the likelihood of successful treatment or create long-term complications that could have been avoided with earlier detection. Patients may experience extended hospital stays, additional surgeries, or prolonged rehabilitation. These added medical needs can lead to higher expenses and increased physical discomfort. Beyond physical harm, a delayed diagnosis can disrupt employment, family responsibilities, and day-to-day activities, creating stress and emotional strain that may last long after the condition is identified.

Damages Caused by Misdiagnoses

A misdiagnosis happens when a medical provider incorrectly identifies a condition or attributes symptoms to the wrong cause. Misdiagnoses can result in a wide range of injuries, depending on the nature of the mistake. Some patients receive treatment for a condition they do not have, while others receive no treatment for the condition they do have. In both situations, the impact can be significant.

When the wrong condition is diagnosed, a patient may undergo unnecessary procedures, take medications that cause adverse reactions, or experience side effects that could have been avoided. Meanwhile, the actual condition may worsen without proper treatment. In severe cases, this can lead to preventable complications, permanent impairment, or life-threatening outcomes. A misdiagnosis can also create emotional harm when a patient is told they have a serious condition that they do not actually have, or when they are reassured that nothing is wrong despite ongoing symptoms.

From a financial standpoint, misdiagnosis often increases medical costs and may lead to lost income if a patient cannot work during treatment or recovery. Families may also face additional expenses for caregiving, transportation, or home adjustments, depending on the severity of the resulting injury.

Duty of Care in Medical Malpractice Claims

Medical malpractice claims involving misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis center on whether a medical provider failed to meet the duty of care owed to a patient. The duty of care generally refers to the level of skill, attention, and judgment that a reasonably competent provider in the same field would use under similar circumstances. This standard varies depending on the provider's training, the medical setting, and the information available at the time.

In misdiagnosis cases, evaluating whether the duty of care was met often involves reviewing medical records, comparing diagnostic steps taken with accepted practices, and assessing whether the provider responded appropriately to reported symptoms. For example, ordering proper tests, interpreting results accurately, and following up on abnormal findings are all actions that may be considered when determining whether a provider acted reasonably.

Statute of Limitations in Misdiagnosis Claims

Maryland law sets specific time limits for filing medical malpractice claims, including those involving misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis. These deadlines are known as statutes of limitations. Maryland generally requires that claims be filed within a certain number of years from the date the injury occurred or from the date the injury reasonably should have been discovered. Some claims must also be filed within a maximum number of years from the date of the negligent act, regardless of when the injury is discovered. Generally, the statute of limitations for filing a claim for a missed diagnosis is no longer than five years.

Since misdiagnosis injuries are not always immediately apparent, determining when the statute of limitations begins can be complex. A patient may not realize that a medical error occurred until the condition progresses or until another provider identifies the correct diagnosis. Maryland's rules include exceptions, such as additional protections for minors, but these exceptions are applied under specific circumstances. Understanding which deadlines apply depends on the details of each situation, and missing a deadline may prevent a claim from moving forward.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Contact a Baltimore Medical Misdiagnosis Attorney

If you have suffered damages due to an incorrect or delayed diagnosis, Serafini Law can help you seek compensation. To set up your free consultation, call our offices at 240-744-1600 or contact our Baltimore medical misdiagnosis lawyer.