On behalf of Hastings Law Firm posted in Houston Lawyer for Misdiagnosis by Doctor on Tuesday, December 1, 2015.

Diagnoses of illnesses require special skills that most Texas residents expect their physicians to possess. After all, doctors spend many years studying, followed by gaining experience that should enable them to accurately diagnose illnesses. In cases of misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis, patients are sometimes exposed to prolonged periods of suffering and pain, along with additional medical expenses and other financial losses. In fact, delayed diagnosis of a dreaded disease — such as cancer — can lead to premature death.

A hospital group and a dermatologist in another state were recently sued by a woman alleging delayed diagnosis. According to court documents, the plaintiff asserts she was treated by the dermatologist for a skin condition during the period from Aug. 2010 through May 2013. She accuses the defendant of failure to arrange for a biopsy procedure of the affected area. On May 14, 2013, the dermatologist apparently diagnosed the plaintiff with a type of skin cancer called basal cell carcinoma.

The patient contends her prognosis would be different had the defendant properly diagnosed the skin condition and provided the appropriate care in a timely manner. Instead, she alleges, the defendant provided improper treatment for almost three years before taking necessary steps to make a proper diagnosis. The amount claimed for damages reportedly exceeds $50,000.

Lost income, pain and suffering, medical expenses, loss of life enjoyment and more may form part of the damages a Texas victim of delayed diagnosis may seek in a medical malpractice lawsuit. Our Houston medical malpractice lawyers are here to help. However, obtaining the necessary information to prove negligence on the part of a medical professional or facility may prove to be more difficult than expected. An experienced medical malpractice attorney has the means to obtain medical records and other information that may not be readily available to patients. Having a lawyer to protect and fight for one’s rights makes good sense in these circumstances.

Source: cookcountyrecord.com, “Patient alleges Chicago dermatologist misdiagnosed skin cancer”, Robert Hadley, Nov. 20, 2015