San Francisco Misdiagnosis Attorneys

Call (888) 831-8448 If You Suffered from a Misdiagnosis in California

Unfortunately, misdiagnosis is one of the most common medical mistakes. Most medical conditions are treated more effectively if they are diagnosed as early as possible. If a doctor misses the warning signs and symptoms, the consequences can be devastating to a patient. Additionally, if a doctor diagnoses an illness and prescribes treatment only to learn that the patient does not actually have that condition, it is possible that serious damage to one's health can occur.

If you or someone you love has been misdiagnosed, do not hesitate to speak with a San Francisco misdiagnosis lawyer from our firm right away. Victims of misdiagnosis often face additional medical costs, lost income, and preventable treatment for serious, life-threatening symptoms. You and your family do not have to beat this burden alone. Bostwick & Peterson understands what you are going through, and we may be able to assist you in seeking full compensation.

What is Misdiagnosis?

Misdiagnosis refers to the incorrect identification of a medical condition, illness, or disease. It occurs when a healthcare professional makes an error in assessing a patient's symptoms, leading to an inaccurate diagnosis. Misdiagnosis can have serious consequences, including delayed or inappropriate treatment, unnecessary procedures, and potential harm to the patient.

Common types of medical misdiagnosis include:

• Incorrect Diagnosis: This occurs when the healthcare provider identifies the wrong condition or disease.
• Delayed Diagnosis: In this case, the correct diagnosis is made, but it takes longer than it should, potentially leading to progression of the disease and a poorer prognosis.
• Missed Diagnosis: A missed diagnosis happens when the healthcare provider fails to identify any medical condition despite the presence of symptoms.
• Overdiagnosis: This occurs when a person is diagnosed with a condition that wouldn't have caused harm or required treatment, leading to unnecessary interventions.
• Underdiagnosis: This is the opposite of overdiagnosis, where a medical condition is not identified when it should have been, potentially leading to untreated health issues.
• Misinterpretation of Test Results: Errors in interpreting medical tests, such as laboratory results, imaging studies, or biopsies, can contribute to misdiagnosis.

Contributing Factors of Medical Misdiagnosis

Medical misdiagnosis can result from a combination of various factors, and identifying these contributing elements is crucial for improving patient safety. Some common contributing factors to medical misdiagnosis include:

• Incomplete Information: Insufficient or incomplete patient information, including a lack of detailed medical history, can hinder accurate diagnosis.
• Communication Breakdown: Poor communication between healthcare professionals, as well as between healthcare providers and patients, can lead to misunderstandings and errors in diagnosis.
• Time Constraints: Busy schedules and time pressures may limit the amount of time healthcare providers can spend with each patient, potentially leading to rushed assessments and misdiagnoses.
• Diagnostic Errors in Testing: Misinterpretation of test results, errors in performing tests, or relying on inaccurate or outdated testing methods can contribute to misdiagnosis.
• Confirmation Bias: Healthcare providers may be influenced by preconceived beliefs or expectations, leading them to focus on information that confirms their initial diagnosis and ignore contradictory evidence.
• Complex Cases: Some medical conditions present with atypical or overlapping symptoms, making them challenging to diagnose accurately.
• Lack of Specialized Knowledge: In cases where a healthcare provider lacks specialized knowledge in a particular area, they may struggle to accurately diagnose conditions outside their expertise.
• Patient Factors: Patients may not always provide accurate or complete information about their symptoms, medical history, or lifestyle, making it challenging for healthcare providers to arrive at an accurate diagnosis.
• Underlying Systemic Issues: Flaws in healthcare systems, such as inadequate training, lack of standardization in diagnostic procedures, and limited access to resources, can contribute to misdiagnosis.
• Electronic Health Record (EHR) Issues: Problems with electronic health records, such as inaccuracies, incomplete information, or difficulty in accessing relevant data, can impact diagnostic accuracy.
• Cognitive Biases: Cognitive biases, such as anchoring (relying too heavily on the first piece of information encountered) or availability bias (relying on readily available information), can influence decision-making and contribute to misdiagnosis.
• Fatigue and Burnout: Healthcare providers experiencing fatigue, burnout, or high levels of stress may have reduced cognitive function, increasing the likelihood of errors in diagnosis.

Most common types of misdiagnosis

• Cancer
• Infection
• Heart attack
• Aortic dissection
• Clogged arteries

Did Your Doctor Misdiagnose Cancer?

While we all worry about our health and serious issues such as heart disease or diabetes, there is no disease more frightening than cancer.

While science has made dramatic improvements in treating cancer, it is the second leading cause of death in the U.S. If a doctor fails to diagnose cancer, the consequences can be devastating. If either you or a member of your family has been diagnosed with cancer after it was initially missed by a doctor, you should speak with our firm as soon as possible to determine your legal options.

When cancer is diagnosed in a middle to later stage, rather than at an early stage, the costs of treatment and the severity of the condition increase dramatically. Families can suddenly find themselves struggling with tremendous financial burdens as they courageously fight this dreaded disease.

Bostwick & Peterson understands what you and your family are experiencing. Our firm accepts cases on a contingency basis which means you pay no fees unless we win. You and your family need to focus your attention on fighting cancer and winning; let our firm worry about fighting for your rights and winning.

Why It's Important to Choose the Right Attorney

If a doctor has ignored or missed the signs and symptoms of a serious illness, even in a busy emergency room setting, you have a right to answers. Our firm has access to the best physicians in the country that can methodically evaluate your case to help determine what happened and what your legal options are.

Medical malpractice cases involving misdiagnosis are both complicated and emotional for victims. Doctors and hospitals are protected by enormous insurance companies with teams of legal staff and agents that will attempt to settle the matter as cheaply as possible. While the doctors, hospital and insurance company will aggressively protect their own interests, make sure that you have a hard-hitting lawyer to aggressively protect your rights and interests.

How Bostwick & Peterson Can Help

Medical misdiagnosis cases are very complicated and can include endless medical and legal jargon that seems impossible to understand. Bostwick & Peterson is well-versed in these matters, and we will take the time to make sure that you understand the process and all of your options. We also have access to the best physicians in the country to evaluate your medical malpractice claim.

Our firm has collected over $1 Billion for our clients holding both state and national records for settlements and verdicts. With our outstanding track-record of success, you can feel confident that you are being represented by a caring and energetic advocate who will aggressively pursue the outcome you deserve.