When you visit a doctor or hospital in Florida, you trust medical professionals to diagnose your condition accurately and promptly. Unfortunately, diagnostic errors are one of the most common forms of medical malpractice. A misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis can result in serious harm, worsening of a condition, or even death. If you or a loved one suffered because of a diagnostic error, Florida law may give you the right to pursue compensation through a medical malpractice claim.
What Is Misdiagnosis and Delayed Diagnosis?
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Misdiagnosis occurs when a healthcare provider incorrectly identifies a patient’s medical condition. For example, diagnosing heart attack symptoms as indigestion.
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Delayed diagnosis happens when a provider eventually identifies the correct condition, but only after harmful delays. For example, failing to diagnose cancer until it has progressed to a late stage.
Both scenarios can prevent timely treatment and cause life-altering consequences.
Common Conditions Involved in Misdiagnosis Claims
Certain medical conditions are frequently at the center of misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis cases in Florida, including:
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Cancer (breast, lung, colon, prostate, and others)
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Heart attacks and strokes
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Infections, such as sepsis or meningitis
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Blood clots (pulmonary embolism, DVT)
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Pediatric conditions, including appendicitis
These errors often occur because symptoms are overlooked, testing is not ordered, or results are misread.
Why Misdiagnosis Happens
Diagnostic errors can result from:
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Failure to order appropriate tests
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Misinterpretation of lab or imaging results
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Inadequate patient evaluation
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Communication breakdowns among medical staff
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Rushed or incomplete examinations
Under Florida law, when a provider fails to act as a reasonably careful physician would under similar circumstances, it may constitute medical negligence.
Proving Medical Malpractice in Florida
To bring a successful medical malpractice claim for misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis, a plaintiff must prove:
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Doctor-patient relationship – The provider owed a duty of care.
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Negligence – The provider failed to meet the accepted standard of care.
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Causation – The diagnostic error directly caused harm or worsened the condition.
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Damages – The patient suffered injury, financial loss, or other damages.
Florida law also requires compliance with strict pre-suit investigation requirements, including obtaining an affidavit from a qualified medical expert before filing suit.
Potential Compensation for Victims
Patients injured by misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis may be entitled to compensation for:
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Medical expenses (past and future)
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Lost income and reduced earning capacity
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Pain and suffering
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Loss of enjoyment of life
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Wrongful death damages (if applicable)
Conclusion
Misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis can have devastating consequences for patients and their families. Florida medical malpractice law provides a path to accountability and compensation when healthcare providers fail to meet the accepted standard of care. If you believe you or a loved one suffered harm due to a diagnostic error, consulting an experienced Florida medical malpractice attorney is a critical first step.
Have you or someone you know been injured as a result of medical malpractice? Contact Florida Hospital and Medical Malpractice Lawyer J.P. Gonzalez-Sirgo by dialing his direct number at (786) 272-5841, calling the main office at (305) 461-1095, or Toll Free at 1 (866) 71-CLAIM or email Miami Attorney Gonzalez-Sirgo directly at jp@yourattorneys.com or by text at (305) 929-8935.
