Can You Sue for the Misinterpretation of Medical Test Results?
Healthcare professionals depend on medical tests to diagnose and treat various health conditions. However, accurate interpretation of these tests is vital for ensuring proper diagnosis and timely care. When a medical professional misinterprets a medical test, the results can be devastating. Misinterpretation of medical tests can cause diagnostic errors, which can result in delayed treatment, worsened health, or even death. If you or a loved one has been harmed by a healthcare provider’s misinterpretation of test results, you may wonder, “Can I file a medical malpractice claim?” The answer is yes, but only if your case meets specific requirements. A qualified medical malpractice attorney can assess your case and help you determine if you have a valid legal claim.
What Constitutes Misinterpretation of Test Results?
Healthcare providers rely on CT scans, MRIs, biopsies, and other tests to diagnose and treat patients. However, sometimes medical professionals misinterpret the results of these tests. Misinterpretation arises when a medical professional fails to accurately read, analyze, or communicate a patient’s diagnostic test results.
Misinterpretation of diagnostic test results can take many forms, including;
- Misreading imaging scans
- Misunderstanding lab results
- Not following up on test findings
- Misunderstanding biopsy results
- Assigning test results to the wrong patient
- Failing to recognize abnormal test results
- Incorrectly reporting the stage or severity of a condition
Some of the common medical conditions that may be missed, diagnosed late, or misdiagnosed when medical tests are misinterpreted include:
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Infections
- Internal injuries
Regrettably, a misinterpreted medical test result can mean the difference between a treatable condition and an emergency, or even worse.
When Does Misinterpretation of Tests Become Malpractice?
Not all cases of misinterpretation qualify as medical malpractice. It is vital that you understand when misinterpretation of test results rises to the level of malpractice. To have a valid medical malpractice claim, the following elements must be present;
- A Medical Professional-Patient Relationship Existed: This means that the healthcare provider had a legal obligation to interpret the test results correctly.
- Negligence Occurred: You must show that the medical professional did not adhere to the accepted standard of care that another competent professional would have followed in the same situation.
- Harm Occurred Due to Negligence: For example, your or your loved one’s condition worsened or became untreatable due to negligence.
- There Were Serious Damages: There must be serious physical consequences from the medical malpractice to justify a lawsuit.
Steps To Take if You Suspect Medical Test Misinterpretation
If you believe the misinterpretation of medical test results has harmed you or a loved one, here are the steps to take:
- Seek medical attention to address the issue
- Obtain all of your medical records, including copies of all test results and physician notes
- Speak with a qualified medical malpractice lawyer
A skilled medical malpractice attorney can assess your case and determine whether it meets the set criteria. If it does, they can help you build a strong case.
Recoverable Damages
A successful medical malpractice claim may result in you or your loved one getting compensation for, among others:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
Contact an Atlanta Medical Malpractice Attorney
If you believe a diagnostic test error has harmed you or a loved one, contact the skilled Atlanta medical malpractice attorney at Carroll Law Firm for help determining if you have a valid legal claim and help seeking fair compensation.
