Your doctor is someone you trust. You rely on their knowledge and experience, expecting that they can help you recover from your illness. But what happens when they diagnose you incorrectly? If a physician overlooks a warning sign or dismisses your concerns, the results can be catastrophic.
Why delays are a risk to your health
When a health care provider fails to identify symptoms or conditions promptly, your health is at stake. Your doctor might say that you are healthy based on their findings. This makes you think that you are in the clear, but your condition remains untreated. As it worsens, you are at risk of having life-threatening complications.
Why a delayed diagnosis can be malpractice
Under Florida law, medical professionals must abide by the professional standard of care at all times. If your doctor failed to do what a reasonably prudent peer would have done under similar circumstances, they have breached their duty to you.
For your claim to be valid, you must prove that the doctor’s breach of standard directly caused your condition to worsen or become untreatable. Additionally, it is vital to prove that you suffered actual harm, which can include expensive medical bills or permanent disability.
How you should approach a malpractice claim
Florida’s medical malpractice laws can be technical. Before you can step into a courtroom, you must:
- Conduct a pre-suit investigation.
- Obtain a verified written medical expert opinion.
- Serve a Notice of Intent to Initiate Litigation.
- Comply with a mandatory 90-day tolling period.
Accomplishing these yourself is a process you should not take alone. You deserve to hold your physician accountable for their negligence. Seeking legal counsel from a malpractice law attorney can get you the guidance you need.