Medical negligence lawsuits cover a wide range of hospital and physician errors, mistakes and failures. One of the most common types of errors is the failure to properly and timely diagnose medical conditions. As many as 40% of all medical malpractice claims are related to a failure to diagnose. At Osborne & Francis Law Firm PLLC our personal injury attorneys take the time to listen to your needs, investigate your case and craft a solid, creative strategy to help you get the compensation you deserve.
So you've been in a car accident. What happens next? There are many things that you should do but here are the three most important:
Number One: See a doctor immediately.
A broken bone is easy to see, but some injuries are not. The most common injuries from car accidents happen in the neck, back, or head. The only way to diagnose and treat them is by seeing a doctor. A doctor can help ease the pain, provide medication, reassure you of how your injury may impact your daily life, and tell you what not to do to make it worse.
A visit to the doctor can also give you legally protected time off to recover and rest your body after an accident, and it documents and provides the evidence you may need for your case. Even a five-mile-per-hour car accident can cause a serious injury. So whether you've had a severe accident or a minor collision, see a doctor. And if you don't have medical insurance, let us know and we'll make sure that you receive the proper care.
Number Two: Write everything down.
Even if it seems small, during times of stress or injury it is common to forget the little details. Make sure you keep note of the pain that you're in. With neck, back, and head injuries, sometimes simple activities such as walking up the stairs or picking up a toddler may cause severe pain.
You may not be sleeping well at night. Documenting how much you sleep and how often you wake up due to pain is also very important. And lastly, if you have any cuts or bruises, take daily photos as you heal. This will provide visual evidence of the injuries that you've suffered.
Number Three: Do not speak to an insurance company until you've spoken to a lawyer.
Please understand that the insurance adjuster works for a billion-dollar corporation and not for you. Their interests are solely for their insurance company, and their goal is to provide you with the least amount of financial settlement as quickly as possible. When you do speak with them, remember they will record the conversation. Why do they do this? Because they've been trained to ask questions that may confuse you. So talk to us before you talk to them.
So remember: See a doctor, document everything, and call us before calling the insurance company for your free private consultation. We are here for you. Real tough lawyers fighting real tough issues.
One of a physician’s primary duties is to accurately assess a patient and determine the cause of any symptoms they are experiencing. There are many types of actions that constitute a failure to diagnose including:
Failing to diagnose or delaying a diagnosis often leads to delays in treatment that have devastating effects. The most severe complications due to a missed or delayed diagnosis result from conditions such as:
These conditions affect millions of people and the most successful results are achieved when patients are diagnosed early and have the most options for treatment. Cancer, in particular, is often more treatable during the early stages and failing to diagnose breast, lung or colon cancer leads to a much higher risk of death. In some cases, insurance companies may be held liable for refusing to cover tests during the evaluation process thus contributing to a delayed or missed diagnosis. If you have questions about the care you’ve received, it is important to get advice from a practiced healthcare attorney to determine if you have a cause of action against your healthcare provider.
Lawsuits stemming from a failure to properly diagnose and treat medical conditions are inherently emotional and stressful. At Osborne & Francis Law Firm PLLC, our attorneys work hard to ease the burdens you’re experiencing and resolve your case efficiently and favorably. We don’t accept payment unless you win your case. To schedule a free initial consultation, call (561) 293-2600 or contact us online today.