The Dangers of Delayed Diagnosis
For a huge variety of different medical problems, it is imperative that you got prompt and immediate medical treatment. While any medical condition should be treated right away, a delay in diagnosis can be more serious with certain illnesses than with others. For example, some of the different conditions that can be most adversely affected by delayed diagnosis include:
- Brain injuries. Often, there are no outward symptoms or the symptoms of a brain injury may not seem as severe as they really are. Unfortunately, bleeding, bruising or swelling of the brain that is not diagnosed can be fatal.
- Internal bleeding. Just like with brain injuries, there may not be a clear outward symptom associated with every internal injury that causes bleeding. Left untreated, however, internal bleeding can be fatal.
- Diabetes. Left untreated, diabetes or even pre-diabetes can do serious damage to the body. Kidney problems may become exacerbated by out-of-control insulin levels and undiagnosed diabetes could increase the risk of complications such as blindness or amputation.
- Blood clots. A blood clot can cause serious damage to the body, especially if it travels to the brain and causes a stroke.
- Cardiac problems. An undiagnosed cardiac condition can result in your heart continually having to work harder. The risk of a heart attack may increase and the outcome could potentially be fatal.
- Cancer. A 2008 article printed in Wired.com reported that there may be up to a 90 percent cure rate for many cancers diagnosed early while the survival statistics on those diagnosed with advanced cancer dropped to 10 percent.
- Arthritis. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent joint deformities and other complications associated with this potentially debilitating disease.
These are just a few examples of the many types of medical problems that can quickly become worse if not diagnosed promptly. In fact, almost any medical condition becomes more serious the longer it is allowed to persist.
see how we've made a difference
If you are hesitating to call us for help, take a look at our recent case results.
-
$172,500 $172k for a Woman Who Injured Her Leg at Her Neighbor’s House
For a Woman Who Injured Her Leg at Her Neighbor’s House
-
$579,000 $579k for Passenger Involved in a Ride Share Car Accident
For a Client Who Was A Passenger Involved in a Ride Share Car Accident
-
$400,000 $400k for Woman Who Sustained Neck Injury in Motor Vehicle Accident
For a Woman Who Sustained Neck Injury in Motor Vehicle Accident
-
$235,000 $235k for Officer Who Was Struck While Directing Traffic
For Officer Who Was Struck While Directing Traffic
-
$308,000 $308k for a Rotator Cuff Injury in a Head-on Collision
For a Rotator Cuff Injury in a Head-on Collision
An Attorney Can Help After a Delayed Diagnosis
If you or a loved one is harmed as a result of a delayed diagnosis, you may be able to file a medical malpractice claim against the doctor or healthcare provider responsible for your delayed treatment. The ability to file such a claim will depend both on whether you can prove it was negligent for the doctor not to diagnose you correctly as well as whether you can prove that the delayed diagnosis actually caused you some type of harm.
Medical malpractice cases based on delayed diagnosis can have many legal complications. For instance, first you will need to show that a reasonably competent doctor in the same position as your physician would have diagnosed you properly and that it was unreasonably poor care for your doctor to have made the mistake. Only by showing that no reasonable doctor with the same background would have delayed your diagnosis can you hold your doctor accountable. Second, you will need to show that the doctor's failure actually caused you to suffer some type of additional harm that you wouldn't have suffered if you'd been diagnosed in a more timely manner.
An Atlanta delayed diagnosis lawyer can help you to get the evidence you need to prove all of the necessary elements of a medical malpractice claim. Atlanta medical malpractice attorneys understand delayed diagnoses cases and can put together convincing evidence, including expert testimony, to show why you were harmed and why you deserve to be compensated for the harm.
-
Proven Record of Results
Van Sant Law has recovered millions in compensation for our clients’ benefit.
-
Years of Experience
Van Sant Law is committed to professional and experienced personal injury representation.
-
Awards and Accolades
10.0 “Superb” rating on Avvo™, Super Lawyers Rising Stars, National Trial Lawyers Association Top 40 Under 40
-
Strategic and Aggressive
Our legal team includes former defense attorneys for large insurers who know how they settle injury claims.
-
Personal and Compassionate
Our firm works hard to ensure that your needs are taken care of during your recovery time. We work for you so you can get your life back.
-
No Fee Guarantee
Our firm works on a contingency fee basis. Meaning there are no fees or costs unless we recover compensation for you!
-
R. Shannon Carpenter is the guy to call! Because of him I got a far larger compensation than I ever expect and the whole process was stress free for me!
- Chase V. -
Attorney David M. Van Sant is one of the best injury trial attorneys here in the Atlanta area. They are precise and unique in their approach. When I had my car accident, my whole world was turned upside down, but with Attorney Van Sant and his team of professionals dedication and quality of service, my life is back on track.
- Crystal -
From the beginning, they demonstrated a deep understanding of my case and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcome. Their attention to details, professionalism, and expertise was truly remarkable.
- Tina R. -
The team really helped us as we navigated the claims process after our oldest child had his car totaled by a drunk driver! They were incredibly professional and helped us through every step of the process! Would absolutely recommend their services! Thank you!
- Josiah B. -
Back in March I was involved in a rear end collision accident. The are very professional and will do whatever it takes to get the best possible offer when it comes with the insurance. 5/5 will recommend to everyone
- Juan S. -
I was in a car accident with a tractor trailer two years ago and David Van Sant came highly recommended for someone I could talk to about the situation. Best decision I've ever made! He fought for me in ways that was truly amazing. Thank you David, Michael and everyone in the office.
- Mary -
They were referred to me by a close friend of mine. Extremely professional, and asked the language I feel comfortable to discuss my case in. Alex Rusanov was my case manager and explained every aspect of my case during the process. I would highly recommend to use this law firm if you were injured in a car accident. Drive safe and stay alert!- Angela
-
I would like to thank everyone in Van Sant Law for answering any questions that I have in a timely manner. I can personally say, Everyone in deserves recognition for being honest, hard working, ethical, logical, dedicated people. The only reason I rated them 5 stars is because it would not let me go higher!
- Hilary
Our firm is dedicated and committed to providing you with the best legal services possible, from your education on the issues to fighting for positive results for your case. Through a free, initial consultation, we will make sure you understand the best way to approach your case, and we’ll review any relevant documents that you provide us with to make sure we have a full, detailed picture of your situation.