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3 types of medical malpractice patients should know about

On Behalf of | Feb 5, 2025 | Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice is a serious issue that catches many patients by surprise each year. Thankfully, in Louisiana, the law provides specific protections for patients who suffer harm because they put their trust in an incompetent healthcare provider.

Among the most common types of medical malpractice are failure to diagnose, delayed diagnosis and misdiagnosis. Understanding these three types of medical errors can help patients recognize when they may have a legal claim and take necessary steps to seek justice.

Failure to diagnose

It can be disheartening when a healthcare provider isn’t in a position to identify the medical condition a patient is suffering from. This is considered malpractice if a reasonable and competent doctor would have recognized the condition under similar circumstances. When a healthcare provider fails to diagnose a condition within a reasonable timeline, the patient may not receive the necessary treatment in time. As such, the patient may suffer unnecessary consequences that should have been prevented if the healthcare provider was competent.

For example, suppose a doctor fails to detect cancer during a routine examination despite clear symptoms or test results indicating its presence. In that case, the patient’s condition may progress to an advanced stage before it is finally discovered.

Delayed diagnosis

Delayed diagnosis is similar to failure to diagnose but involves an unnecessary delay in identifying a medical condition. A delayed diagnosis can occur when a doctor:

  • Initially dismisses symptoms
  • Fails to order appropriate tests
  • Misinterprets test results

For instance, suppose a patient presents symptoms of a stroke but is sent home without proper testing. In that case, they may suffer from severe brain damage or disability due to the delay in receiving timely medical intervention.

Misdiagnosis

One of patients’ worst fears is treating the wrong medical condition while the underlying issue remains unaddressed. Unfortunately, this can happen when a healthcare provider incorrectly identifies a patient’s illness or condition. This can lead to:

  • Inappropriate treatment
  • Unnecessary procedures
  • Lack of necessary care

A common example of misdiagnosis is when a heart attack is mistaken for indigestion. This error can lead to a patient being sent home without the urgent care they need.

Patients who believe they have been victims of medical malpractice in the Pelican State do not have to suffer in silence. They can enlist compassionate legal feedback and explore avenues for seeking the compensation they deserve.