When you go to the doctor, you expect that you will receive an accurate diagnosis. However, this isn’t always the case, and there are several reasons why a New Jersey physician may make an error that might exacerbate your actual condition.
Common symptoms
The fact that you are coughing could indicate that you have the common cold. Of course, it could also indicate that you have lung cancer or another serious condition. However, a doctor may determine that it’s more likely that you have a cold as opposed to cancer based on your medical history and other factors. For example, if you are a school teacher who gets sick in January, it may be more reasonable to assume that you have a cold as opposed to something more serious.
Tests aren’t perfect
Your doctor may fail to accurately diagnose your condition despite running a number of tests. For instance, a tumor may be too small to see or is located in an area where it is hard to find even when a professional is looking for it. It’s also possible that blood, stress or other tests come back negative, which would influence the opinion of those caring for you. Finally, it’s possible that you have a rare disease that a doctor doesn’t recognize. In such a scenario, you may lack grounds for a medical malpractice claim as whoever made the diagnosis may lack the skill to do so properly.
A doctor’s error may allow an ailment to become progressively worse, which may cause a reduction in your quality of life. Your medical records, statements from your doctor or records from your insurance company may be used to prove that you were the victim of medical malpractice and are entitled to a financial reward.