Pittsburgh Failure to Diagnose Lawyer

Helping Victims of Medical Negligence in Pittsburgh, PA

When you visit a doctor, you expect a certain standard of care—accurate evaluations, proper testing, and timely diagnoses. But when a healthcare provider fails to diagnose a medical condition, the consequences can be life-altering or even fatal. At Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C., we help victims and their families hold negligent medical professionals accountable. If you or a loved one has suffered due to a delayed or missed diagnosis, a skilled Pittsburgh failure to diagnose attorney from our firm is ready to fight for justice on your behalf.

Contact us at (844) 383-0565 to schedule your free consultation.

What is Failure to Diagnose?

Failure to diagnose is a form of medical malpractice where a healthcare provider does not identify a patient's illness or condition within a reasonable time frame. This failure can result in a delay in treatment, incorrect treatment, or no treatment at all—worsening the patient’s health outcomes or reducing chances of recovery.

A missed diagnosis is not always malpractice. The key legal question is whether the doctor acted with the skill and diligence expected of a reasonably competent medical professional under the same circumstances. If not, and if that failure caused harm, the doctor—and possibly the hospital—can be held liable.

Common Examples of Failure to Diagnose

At Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C., our Pittsburgh failure to diagnose lawyers have handled a wide range of malpractice claims. Some of the most common and serious cases include:

• Cancer Misdiagnosis: Failing to detect cancers such as breast, colon, or lung cancer in early stages can eliminate treatment options and significantly reduce survival rates.
• Heart Attack or Stroke: Symptoms of these emergencies can be misread, especially in women or younger patients, leading to devastating delays in care.
• Infections: Sepsis or other severe infections can rapidly escalate without proper diagnosis and prompt treatment.
• Meningitis: A failure to diagnose meningitis in children or adults can result in brain damage or death.
• Appendicitis: Misdiagnosed abdominal pain may delay surgery and lead to a ruptured appendix and severe complications.
• Fractures or Internal Injuries: Particularly in emergency room settings, serious injuries may be overlooked due to rushed evaluations or inadequate testing.

These examples illustrate how devastating a diagnostic error can be—and why it's essential to seek experienced legal help if you suspect malpractice.

Common Causes of Failure to Diagnose

There are several reasons why a medical provider might fail to diagnose a condition properly. Some of the most common causes include:

• Inadequate Medical History: Not taking a full patient history can lead to incorrect assumptions and missed clues.
• Failure to Order Tests: Physicians may neglect to order essential imaging, bloodwork, or biopsies needed to confirm or rule out conditions.
• Misinterpretation of Test Results: Radiologists and lab technicians may miss abnormalities or incorrectly report findings.
• Failure to Refer to Specialists: A general practitioner may not refer a patient to a specialist when needed.
• Rushed Appointments: Time constraints can lead to incomplete evaluations and overlooked symptoms.
• Communication Errors: Miscommunication between departments or failure to relay results can delay a diagnosis.

These systemic and human errors are often preventable—and when they result in harm, victims may have the right to compensation.

Failure to Diagnose FAQs

Is every missed diagnosis considered medical malpractice?

No. A missed diagnosis is only malpractice if a reasonably competent doctor under similar circumstances would have made the correct diagnosis and the error caused harm.

How long do I have to file a malpractice lawsuit in Pennsylvania?

Generally, you have two years from the date you discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) the malpractice. However, there are exceptions. A lawyer can help you determine your specific deadline.

Do I need expert medical witnesses to prove my claim?

Yes. Pennsylvania law requires a Certificate of Merit, meaning a qualified medical expert must attest that there is a reasonable probability that the care was negligent.

How much is my failure to diagnose case worth?

The value of a claim depends on factors like the extent of harm, medical costs, and the impact on your life. Our legal team can assess your case and provide an estimate after a thorough review.

Can I still sue if the condition eventually got diagnosed?

Yes, if the delay in diagnosis caused the condition to worsen, reduced your chances of recovery, or forced you into more invasive or expensive treatments, you may still have a valid claim.

Why You Need a Pittsburgh Failure to Diagnose Attorney

Medical malpractice cases, especially failure to diagnose claims, are complex. They require a deep understanding of both medical standards of care and Pennsylvania malpractice law. At Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C., we work with medical experts to review your records, analyze errors in care, and build a strong case for compensation.

We pursue full compensation for:

• Medical expenses related to the worsened condition
• Ongoing and future treatment costs
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Wrongful death (in fatal cases)

Hospitals and insurance companies will aggressively defend against these claims. You need an advocate who knows how to push back. Our Pittsburgh failure to diagnose lawyers are here to ensure you get the justice and compensation you deserve.

Call (844) 383-0565 today or contact us online to speak with a Pittsburgh failure to diagnose lawyer.