A mistaken diagnosis may be one of the worst fears for New Jersey patients headed to the hospital for an undiagnosed, concerning or serious illness. In fact, diagnostic errors are the most common reason that Americans file medical malpractice claims, according to a study conducted by a medical malpractice insurer. In reviewing 10,618 malpractice lawsuits filed between 2013 and 2017, the report determined that one-third of all malpractice claims were made due to errors in diagnosing the patient's illness.
Misdiagnosis major source of malpractice claims
Patient charts are key in malpractice cases
New Jersey residents might be surprised to learn that medical mistakes lead to roughly 250,000 deaths annually in the United States. In many cases, the cause of these errors can be ascertained by reviewing the clinical files of involved patients.
A delayed diagnosis is as devastating as cancer itself
Nothing can prepare you for hearing the following three words, “you have cancer.” It can feel like all the oxygen in the world could not help you breathe after digesting the meaning of the sentence that just got thrown at you. When you think it cannot get any worse, the doctor admits that this diagnosis is three months in the making. Suddenly a “few months” takes on a whole new meaning. It can be the difference between life and death.
The types of injuries that can occur in a car crash
New Jersey residents who are involved in a car crash may experience a variety of physical and mental injuries. For example, post-traumatic stress disorder is a common form of mental health issue that may make it difficult for a person to get into a car or drive after an accident. Among the most common physical injuries after a car accident is whiplash.
The prevalence of soft tissue injuries
Car collisions can cause the body to be jolted back and forth. This stretches the muscles, tendons, ligaments and other non-bony parts considered soft tissue. Anyone who has been in a car wreck in New Jersey will want to know the symptoms of soft tissue injury because getting prompt medical attention is essential to proper healing.
The stages of a medical malpractice case
In order for medical malpractice to occur, certain elements must exist. The existence of a doctor-patient relationship is fundamental. There must also be a standard of care owed to the patient.
Misdiagnosis of cellulitis is common and preventable
Cellulitis is a potentially serious condition that develops when the skin becomes infected by bacteria, but a study suggests that it may not be as common as doctors believe. Patients in New Jersey and around the country whom are diagnosed with cellulitis are often prescribed powerful antibiotics to fight the underlying infection, but the use of these drugs was curtailed for 136 of the 165 patients studied by dermatologists at Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital.
