We trust physicians to properly diagnose and treat our illnesses when we are in pain and are feeling vulnerable. However, it is not uncommon for a doctor to misdiagnose a patient, and when this happens, there are radiating consequences for patients’ well-being.
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The experienced attorneys at Lowenthal & Abrams are here to redress your physical and moral injuries caused by a misdiagnosis. We place the responsibility on negligent healthcare providers to compensate you for your sustained harm.
How You Can Protect Yourself Against the Risk of Misdiagnosis
Although it should not be your responsibility to avoid a misdiagnosis, you may have to take specific measures to safeguard your health. You are the expert on your wellness; you know what you are feeling and how it impacts your functioning. You need to advocate for yourself, even if it seems uncomfortable.
Make a Health Diary
Make a health diary tracking any symptoms. Make sure to include dates, how your regular routine is affected, including lifestyle habits, such as diet and exercise. Before seeing your doctor, review your health journal and jot down questions and any research you have done on your own that you would like to discuss with your physician. Moreover, showing your physician your health diary and asking questions can humanize you and prompt a more holistic exam of your concerns.
Understanding Medications
If a doctor diagnoses you and prescribes medication, be assertive in questioning how they arrived at that diagnosis and why they selected a particular medication. Additionally, discuss any prescriptions with your doctor and pharmacist to investigate the side effects, risks, and proper usage.
Alert All Medical Providers of the Diagnosis
For patients being treated by multiple physicians, it is essential to have a general physician who is informed of all diagnoses made by specialists and has an updated list of your medications. It is imperative that your entire medical team knows all diagnoses and treatments. This can protect you from misdiagnoses and dangerous drug interactions.
Have a Support System
Support from others helps. Bring your trusted relative, significant other, or friend into the examination room. These third parties can also contribute first-hand evidence if a misdiagnosis harms you and you choose to file a lawsuit.
Our Medical Malpractice Attorneys Could Help You Recover for Medical Negligence
At Lowenthal & Abrams, we work to hold negligent parties accountable and reach resolutions for our clients so they are made whole after sustaining injuries from misdiagnoses.
Contact us if you have been harmed by medical negligence. We listen to your story from consultation to the close of your case and use it to get you the recovery you are due. We would be happy to schedule a consultation at your convenience.
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