Medical Malpractice Attorneys in Dayton, OH

Medical Malpractice Attorneys in Dayton, OH

Medical Malpractice Attorneys in Dayton, OH

When you’re sick and decide to seek medical care, you trust your doctor to accurately diagnose your ailments and provide appropriate treatment. However, misdiagnoses and failure to diagnose cases are more common than you might think. These errors can have serious consequences, potentially leading to delayed or improper treatment, unnecessary pain and suffering, and even irreversible harm and death. If you suspect you’ve been misdiagnosed, it’s crucial to understand your rights and take legal action by consulting a personal injury attorney. The Medical Malpractice Attorneys in Dayton, OH at Buckeye Law Group are here to help you navigate this challenging situation.

Examples of Misdiagnoses

Misdiagnoses can occur in various medical scenarios, affecting patients of all ages and backgrounds. Some of the more common examples of misdiagnosis include:

Cancer misdiagnosis: A patient’s cancer symptoms may be misattributed to a less severe condition like pneumonia (instead of lung cancer) and gastritis (instead of pancreatic cancer), leading to delayed treatment and a compromised prognosis. Misdiagnosis is especially harmful in the case of cancer, where treating early stages is often far more effective and greatly increases the chance for patient recovery.

Heart attack misdiagnosis: Symptoms of a heart attack may be mistaken for less urgent issues like anxiety, indigestion or a muscle strain, resulting in delayed or inadequate treatment, potentially leading to heart damage or even death.

Infection misdiagnosis: Failure to diagnose or treat infections promptly can result in serious complications, such as sepsis or organ damage.

Mental health misdiagnosis: Patients with mental health conditions might be wrongly diagnosed, leading to inappropriate treatments, worsening symptoms and unnecessary emotional distress.

Hypothyroidism misdiagnosis: Symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as fatigue, weight gain and mood changes, can mimic those of depression. Consequently, a patient presenting with these symptoms may be misdiagnosed with depression and prescribed antidepressants, while the underlying thyroid disorder goes untreated.

If you suspect a misdiagnosis, it’s important to consult with our Medical Malpractice Attorneys in Dayton, OH to understand your options and seek appropriate legal action.

What to Do if You Suspect Misdiagnosis

If you suspect you’ve been misdiagnosed, be sure to take the following steps:

• Seek a second opinion: Consult another qualified healthcare professional to verify the accuracy of your initial diagnosis and get proper medical treatment.

• Obtain medical records: Gather all relevant medical records, including test results, imaging scans, and consultation notes, to provide evidence of potential misdiagnosis.

• Consult a personal injury attorney: A skilled personal injury attorney specializing in medical malpractice can assess your case, provide legal guidance and advocate for your rights.
  

What to Do if You Suspect Misdiagnosis

In Ohio, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including those related to medical misdiagnoses and failure to diagnose, is generally two years from the date of the incident. However, certain exceptions and unique circumstances may affect this timeframe.

For example, if symptoms of your misdiagnosis were not immediately apparent or if the misdiagnosis was discovered at a later date, Ohio law allows for the “discovery rule” exception. Under the discovery rule, the two-year statute of limitations begins from the date when you reasonably discovered or should have discovered the misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose. This exception aims to ensure that individuals have a fair opportunity to pursue legal action when they become aware of the harm caused by medical negligence, even if it exceeds the standard two-year timeframe.

Additionally, if the misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose involved a minor or an individual with disabilities, Ohio law may provide an extension to the statute of limitations. This extension allows for a minor or a person with disabilities to bring a personal injury claim within a certain period after they reach 18 years of age or have their legal disabilities removed.

For assistance with your case, contact the Medical Malpractice Attorneys in Dayton, OH at Buckeye Law Group to ensure your rights are protected and to pursue the compensation you deserve.