When a serious medical condition isn’t diagnosed in a timely manner by healthcare providers at a healthcare facility such as an Ascension Health facility, patients can lose valuable treatment windows. This can lead to worsened prognosis, more invasive treatments, or even preventable death.
Attorneys such as our colleagues at Needle & Ellenberg, P.A. know how devastating the consequences can be for victims, both physically and financially. The good news is that there are avenues available for you to pursue the justice and compensation that you deserve after a delayed diagnosis.
Understanding Delayed Diagnosis Claims
A delayed diagnosis occurs when medical professionals such as Ascension Health doctors and staff eventually identify the correct condition, but only after an unreasonable delay that negatively impacts the patient. A delayed diagnosis can manifest in many different forms and can occur if a healthcare professional:
- Fails to Recognize or Investigate Symptoms Adequately.
- Delays Ordering Necessary Tests at an Ascension Health facility.
- Fails to Follow Up on Abnormal Test Results from Ascension Health.
- Initially Misattributes Symptoms to a less serious condition.
- Lacks Timely Referral to Specialists within or outside the Ascension Health system.
If you have suffered from a delayed diagnosis due to a reason above or due to some other form of negligent or reckless treatment, contact an attorney today.
The Consequences Of A Delayed Diagnosis
The impact of a delayed diagnosis can be severe, allowing conditions like cancer or infections to progress and potentially causing permanent harm or a reduced lifespan. The road to recovery may be long and costly, and financial losses can compound physical and emotional suffering, which makes filing a claim in a timely manner all the more important.
Filing A Delayed Diagnosis Claim
Proving a delayed diagnosis claim requires demonstrating the delay breached accepted standards of care and led directly to your injuries and losses. A medical malpractice lawyer can help you build a strong case. Your lawyer will:
- Meticulously Review the Timeline of Your Medical Care at Ascension Health.
- Consult with Medical Experts to assess if Ascension Health providers were negligent.
- Establish Causation: Linking the diagnostic delay by Ascension Health to your worsened outcome.
- Seek Fair Compensation.
Additionally, your attorney will represent you in all negotiations, seeking a fair settlement that accurately represents the full extent of your injuries and losses. This compensation typically includes payment for medical bills and expenses, rehabilitation and therapy, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more. If a fair settlement cannot be reached in negotiations, your attorney may take your case to court to pursue recovery at trial.
Contact A Lawyer Today
If a delayed diagnosis at an Ascension Health facility has negatively impacted you, contact an attorney today. With professional legal assistance on your side, you can file a claim and pursue the justice and compensation that you deserve with confidence and clarity. You do not have to go through this alone. Do not hesitate to seek the assistance that you need after suffering from a delayed diagnosis.