One of the keys to a long and enjoyable life is receiving correct and timely medical care. With this in mind, it is likely at some point in your life, you will seek help from a healthcare specialist. Medical professionals swear under oath to uphold the required physician standard of care to their patients.
But what happens when a doctor breaches this duty by failing to diagnose a patient promptly? Does the person have the legal right to sue the practitioner?
If a medical professional’s failure causes harm to you or a loved one, you could use the help of a Walterboro delayed diagnosis lawyer. Reach out to the trusted team at Whetstone Perkins & Fulda to answer your questions and help you obtain the compensation and justice you deserve.
Physician Standard of Care in Delayed Diagnosis Cases
At first glance, it may seem the standard of care required by healthcare providers is the same as that for negligent persons in other personal injury situations; however, this is not the case. Licensed practitioners go through extensive medical education and residencies, requiring them to provide the utmost care to individuals seeking medical assistance.
Doctors also have to agree to uphold the Hippocratic oath. Specifically, the oath requires medical professionals to adhere to not performing any actions—or inactions—that would cause the persons under their care unnecessary injury.
If a doctor takes too long to diagnose a patient, this can lead to a worsening of symptoms, which can result in hospitalization, disability, and potentially death. A Walterboro delayed diagnosis attorney could thoroughly review your situation to determine the best course of action.
Examples of Delayed Diagnosis Claims
Some examples of delayed diagnosis cases in Walterboro that our attorneys regularly handle are those involving:
- Cancer
- Strokes
- Bacterial infections
- Liver and kidney issues
- Coronary disease or other heart problems
- Hemorrhage or abnormal bleeding inside the body
- Cognitive conditions such as Alzheimer’s or Dementia
Our experienced team could walk through your situation to determine whether there is a viable claim for compensation.
What to Do if Your Doctor Failed to Inform You of a Health Disorder
For a doctor to commit malpractice in South Carolina, they must do the opposite of what a doctor with similar training would generally do in the specific patient situation (S.C. Code Ann § 15-79-110).
If a person believes a doctor failed to promptly inform them of a health disorder, they should immediately seek another opinion from a physician. They should follow the new medical advice and treatment plan. Once this is done, they can contact a competent Walterboro untimely diagnosis attorney to assist with the filing of a medical malpractice lawsuit.
In South Carolina, the person bringing a personal injury medical malpractice lawsuit has to prove that the practitioner and or hospital was at least 51 percent liable for the harm caused. Additionally, there is a three-year timeline called the statute of limitations that a person has to take legal action. If a claim is filed outside of this deadline, it could be dismissed by the court. A dedicated attorney could file your case before the three-year expiration date.
Contact a Walterboro Delayed Diagnosis Attorney Today
A Walterboro delayed diagnosis attorney could help you receive compensation for your medical expenses, emotional trauma, lost wages, pain and suffering, and a loss of enjoyment of life caused by a careless physician. Reach out to Whetstone Perkins & Fulda today to begin reviewing the details of your situation.
