Outpatient clinics may likely incur misdiagnosis, study says

Wednesday April 30, 2014

Many people in New Haven, Connecticut, rely on their doctors and other healthcare providers when it comes to their medical needs. Unfortunately, medical errors can occur anywhere between diagnosis and treatment, which can result in serious repercussions to patients and their families.

One of the most common causes of medical malpractice claims is failure to diagnose. Readers should be concerned. The journal BMJ Quality and Safety recently published a study that found that one out of every 20 adult patients in outpatient clinics suffered a misdiagnosis, translating to 12 million erroneous diagnoses per year. Unfortunately, according to statistics from the Society to Improve Diagnosis in Medicine, as many as 80,000 people die in the United States because of misdiagnosis.

Several factors can lead to misdiagnosis. Decision-making and uncertainties can cause doctors to make wrong judgments when diagnosing their patients. Misdiagnosis can also occur when doctors fail to tell their patients all the information they need, including follow-ups and what they need to do.

Doctors and patients can prevent misdiagnosis by working together. Patients, for one, can create a list of their symptoms and any existing medical conditions.

Although not all misdiagnosis end in a devastating outcome, medical errors can have repercussions. Erroneous diagnosis can result in a worsened medical condition, longer hospital stay and higher medical expenses. Unfortunately, when a medical condition goes undetected, it can lead to a patient’s death. Additionally, injuries or deaths can cause lost wages and future income accompanied by profound emotional pain and suffering.

A misdiagnosed patient may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against a negligent hospital or medical staff and seek compensation. If the patient dies, the victim’s family may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Source: Healthline, “One in Every 20 Adults Is Misdiagnosed in Outpatient Clinics Every Year,” Sandra Levy, April 17, 2014

Get in Touch

Schedule a Free Initial Consultation

At Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, P.C., we handle all cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that we do not get paid unless and until you receive a settlement or a jury award.

Schedule a free, confidential consultation with a skilled Connecticut personal injury lawyer today.

News & insights
KJSR Recognized as Best Personal Injury Firm in CT - 2024
News

KJSR Recognized as Best Personal Injury Firm in CT - 2024

8

February
2024

Can You File a Claim for Injuries Suffered After a Failure-to-Yield Car Accident?
Articles

Can You File a Claim for Injuries Suffered After a Failure-to-Yield Car Accident?

7

December
2023

What Happens if You Fall at Work? (and What to Do Next)
Articles

What Happens if You Fall at Work? (and What to Do Next)

7

December
2023

4 Steps to Take After a Medical Misdiagnosis
Articles

4 Steps to Take After a Medical Misdiagnosis

15

November
2023

News

KJSR Recognized in 2024 edition of Best Law Firms in America®

2

November
2023

Will a Hit-and-Run Claim Raise My Insurance?
Articles

Will a Hit-and-Run Claim Raise My Insurance?

12

October
2023

Surgical Stapler Injuries: Can You File a Lawsuit?
Articles

Surgical Stapler Injuries: Can You File a Lawsuit?

9

October
2023

Everything You Need to Know Before Filing a Pharmaceutical Lawsuit
Insights

Everything You Need to Know Before Filing a Pharmaceutical Lawsuit

21

September
2023

What Happens if the At-Fault Driver Is Deceased After the Accident?
Articles

What Happens if the At-Fault Driver Is Deceased After the Accident?

18

September
2023

What To Do After a Road Construction Accident
Articles

What To Do After a Road Construction Accident

12

September
2023