Frederick, MDMedical Misdiagnosis Lawyer

A timely, accurate diagnosis for a medical condition can make a major difference in a patient's life. When a condition is misdiagnosed or caught too late, the damage may have already been done. If you or somebody you care about has suffered due to a medical provider's failure to identify a condition, get in contact with a Frederick, MD medical misdiagnosis attorney to discuss your legal options.

At Serafini Law, we can take action to hold a doctor or medical institution liable for their negligence. Attorney Andrew Serafini has over 10 years of experience, which has provided him with in-depth knowledge of how to handle medical malpractice and personal injury claims.

GET JUSTICE FOR YOUR INJURIES –– CALL 240-744-1600

How a Delayed or Incorrect Diagnosis Can Harm You

A delayed or incorrect diagnosis can change the course of a person's life. A missed heart attack can become irreversible heart damage. A delayed stroke diagnosis can mean permanent neurological deficits that might have been reduced with timely intervention. A failure to identify sepsis can allow a treatable infection to spiral into organ failure. Cancer misdiagnosis is another common and devastating example, whether the provider misses clear warning signs, misreads imaging, or fails to order appropriate follow-up testing.

Misdiagnosis harm is not limited to "late treatment." Many patients are actively treated for the wrong condition. That can mean unnecessary medications with serious side effects, invasive procedures that never should have happened, or months of lost time while the true condition worsens. In some cases, a patient is incorrectly told nothing is wrong, and he or she delays seeking additional care because that reassurance feels authoritative. In other cases, a patient is told something is wrong when it is not, and the stress, physical risks, and financial costs mount quickly.

In Frederick, medical misdiagnosis claims often come down to whether the healthcare provider followed reasonable diagnostic steps based on the symptoms presented, the available test results, and the standard of care for similarly situated providers.

How Long Do You Have to File a Medical Malpractice Claim in Maryland?

Maryland sets strict time limits for medical malpractice claims. In general, a claim must be filed within the earlier of five years from when the injury occurred or three years from when the injury was discovered. These deadlines can be affected by factors such as when the harm became reasonably discoverable and, in some situations, the age of the patient.

Maryland also has procedural rules that apply to medical malpractice claims before a case proceeds in court, including filing requirements that can affect the path and pacing of the claim. Waiting too long can limit your options, even if the underlying negligence seems clear.

What Compensation Can You Get for a Misdiagnosis?

Compensation in a medical misdiagnosis case is meant to address both the financial damage and the human cost of what happened. The economic side is often extensive. A delayed or incorrect diagnosis can lead to additional hospitalizations, emergency care, follow-up appointments, prescription costs, and rehabilitation. It can also trigger future medical needs that would not exist but for the diagnostic error, such as surgeries, long-term treatment, durable medical equipment, or home care.

Lost income is another major component. Some people miss work during a critical recovery period. Others cannot return to the same job at all, or they return with limitations that reduce earnings. A thorough claim accounts for past lost wages and the long-term reduction in earning capacity when the injury changes the trajectory of employment. Compensation for non-economic damages may also be available, including pain, suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and the strain that serious medical harm places on daily living.

How Are Medical Misdiagnosis Claims Resolved?

Many medical misdiagnosis claims are resolved through settlement, but that outcome usually depends on preparation. A strong claim typically starts with a detailed review of medical records to identify the missed opportunities, such as symptoms documented but not acted on, abnormal test results not followed, imaging misread, referrals never made, or warning signs dismissed.

After the facts come to light, the claim often proceeds through negotiation with insurers and defense counsel. Serious cases may also involve formal litigation steps, including written discovery, depositions, and motion practice. The decision to settle or proceed toward trial is often shaped by the strength of evidence and the documented scope of damages.

Injured? Call 240-744-1600 Now.

Looking to File a Lawsuit in Frederick County?

If an insurer refuses to accept responsibility, or if a settlement offer does not reflect the true cost of a misdiagnosis, filing a lawsuit may be necessary. If your claim proceeds to court in Frederick County, cases are typically handled at the main trial court location for the county, located at:

• 100 W. Patrick Street, Frederick, MD 21701

Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Misdiagnosis Claims

Contact a Frederick Medical Misdiagnosis Attorney Today

A misdiagnosis can leave you with new medical problems, unanswered questions, and a growing pile of expenses that never should have existed. At Serafini Law, we will pursue accountability on your behalf. Call 240-744-1600 or contact our Frederick, MD medical misdiagnosis attorney to schedule a free consultation.