Whenever you visit the hospital or see a doctor, you expect them to give you the best medical care according to the industry standards. Unfortunately, this is not what always happens to the millions of Americans who fall victim to medical negligence by doctors and other healthcare providers.
It is the third leading cause of death in the United States, and for those who survive, life is never the same. They may be left dealing with disabilities or other permanent conditions.
Medical malpractice statistics
Numbers don’t lie, and the extent of medical malpractice is almost unimaginable. According to statistics, over 12 million Americans are wrongfully diagnosed every year. The reasons vary, from inexperience among doctors to fatigue, all of which are inexcusable.
When a doctor misses a diagnosis or gives the wrong one, it means that your true condition goes untreated. It can be deadly. Some illnesses require urgent intervention, and a misdiagnosis will only worsen your current situation.
There is also the danger of getting the wrong medication following a misdiagnosis since you will be on a treatment course for an ailment you don’t suffer from in the first place.
Are you a victim of a wrong diagnosis?
While millions may be affected, very few get to know about it until their condition deteriorates to the point of seeking a second opinion. Your health should take priority, and if your symptoms persist even after you begin treatment, you could have been misdiagnosed.
What can you do about it?
Your doctor owes you a legal duty of care as their patient. Should they be negligent in discharging such duties, you may sue for damages by bringing a medical malpractice lawsuit.
As a victim, holding the negligent doctor accountable is as close to justice as it can get for you, and you need to protect your rights.
