Much of the population relies on healthcare professionals to help them recuperate from an injury or illness. However, there are instances where the proper standards of the medical field are not upheld, and a personal injury claim may need to be filed. According to a BMJ Quality and Safety study, approximately 12 million Americans who seek outpatient medical care are misdiagnosed yearly. Unfortunately, this is a mistake that can result in long-term health problems. Here are a few common consequences of receiving the wrong diagnosis. 

3 Potential Consequences of a Misdiagnosis  

1. Unnecessary Treatment 

Receiving treatment for a condition you don’t have can produce adverse outcomes, particularly when it involves remedies such as surgery or chemotherapy. An unnecessary procedure may worsen your symptoms or cause new complications to develop. Needless treatments will not only be ineffective at improving your health but will also put you at risk of sustaining a severe personal injury.

2. Incorrect Prescription 

It’s fairly typical for physicians to prescribe medication after diagnosing a patient, but if you receive a misdiagnosis, it’s likely you will be instructed to take a drug in error. Many medications are highly specific to the kind of condition they treat and can have devastating side effects that cause personal injury in those they aren’t intended for. Additionally, if an inappropriate dosage is prescribed, it can become life-threatening. 

3. Delayed Treatment 

A misdiagnosis will prevent you from receiving effective treatment for the medical condition you actually have. Not getting the diagnostic testing and health care you require promptly can cause your condition to worsen. This is especially true in cases involving cancer or other life-threatening illnesses where early detection and treatment is critical for a successful outcome.

If you received a misdiagnosis, you might be entitled to recover damages. The attorneys at Ozman Law Offices in Orange County, NY, have years of experience and an impressive track record of success handling these types of personal injury claims. They will carefully review the circumstances surrounding your injuries to determine if medical malpractice is to blame and if so, aggressively fight to protect your interests. Call (845) 778-7777 to schedule a free consultation or visit them online for more information on the various services they offer.