Delayed Diagnosis: Who Can You Sue, and What Are Your Compensation Options?
Medical malpractice lawsuits can arise from various circumstances, with delayed diagnosis being a significant cause for legal action. Patients may pursue litigation against their healthcare providers when negligence in diagnosis leads to harm. This article explores the concept of delayed diagnosis and the legal options available to affected individuals in Ohio.
Medical Professionals Subject to Delayed Diagnosis Claims
Delayed diagnosis claims fall under the umbrella of medical malpractice, where a healthcare professional fails to provide a timely and accurate diagnosis. While the correct diagnosis may eventually be made, the delay can result in unnecessary complications or exacerbation of the patient’s condition.
Healthcare practitioners who may be subject to such lawsuits include:
- Physicians
- Psychiatrists
- Nurses
- Surgeons
- Dentists
- Chiropractors
Additionally, healthcare facilities and organizations, such as hospitals and doctor’s offices, may also be held liable in certain circumstances.
How Can You Know You Have a Delayed Diagnosis Claim?
A delay in properly diagnosing a patient in Ohio can justify legal action under certain circumstances. If the delay or failure to diagnose results in the patient getting injured or their disease unnecessarily progressing, the patient can sue.
Moreover, under Ohio law, medical professionals are held to a high standard of care. Any deviation from these standards that causes harm may render the healthcare provider liable for medical malpractice.
Delayed Diagnosis Liability: Who Can You Sue?
Ohio’s medical malpractice liability law encompasses various individuals and organizations that patients can hold accountable for their injuries. Generally, this includes the practitioner who breached their duty of care and directly caused the patient’s harm. However, determining liability can be complex, as medical malpractice cases often involve multiple parties.
For instance, both a nurse and a physician may have been negligent in their treatment—or lack thereof—of a patient’s condition. Healthcare organizations can also be held liable, particularly if their quality of care falls below the accepted standard.
What Are Your Options for Compensation in a Delayed Diagnosis Case?
Filing a delayed diagnosis claim in Ohio may entitle you to various forms of compensation. Similar to other personal injury cases, you may receive both economic and non-economic damages from the liable party.
Economic damages may include:
- Medical bills and expensesexpenses
- Hospital costs
- Lost wages
- Expenses for additional treatment
Non-economic damages may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
Conclusion
Have you suffered as a result of delayed diagnosis in Ohio due to the negligence of a medical practitioner? You might want to consult an Ohio medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible. They can help you understand your rights and options according to Ohio personal injury law, and represent you in court.
