Pittsburgh Medical Negligence Lawyers for Misdiagnosis Claims

""Modern medicine allows for the timely diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of illnesses, from cancer to heart disease. While medical professionals are typically adept at diagnosing and treating illness, an error or delay in diagnosis can have devastating consequences for the patient.

If you or someone close to you has been harmed due to misdiagnosis of the illness, the attorneys at Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C. are here to stand up for your rights. We have extensive experience handling medical malpractice lawsuits and are dedicated to helping you obtain full and fair compensation for the losses you have suffered.

We handle a wide range of misdiagnosis cases, including those involving:

• Misdiagnosis of cancer
• Misdiagnosis of heart disease
• Misdiagnosis of meningitis
• Misdiagnosis of diabetes

Contact us today online or by telephone at (844) 383-0565 to speak with an experienced Pittsburgh misdiagnosis attorney.

Types of Misdiagnosis & Your Rights in Pittsburgh

Misdiagnosis occurs when a healthcare provider inaccurately identifies a patient's medical condition or provides an incorrect diagnosis. This can lead to inappropriate treatment, delayed treatment, or no treatment at all, potentially causing harm to the patient. Misdiagnosis can happen for various reasons, including insufficient information, misinterpretation of symptoms, errors in medical testing, or cognitive biases.

Here are some common types of medical misdiagnosis:

• Missed Diagnosis - This occurs when a healthcare provider fails to identify a patient's condition altogether. The patient may present symptoms that are overlooked or dismissed, leading to a lack of appropriate treatment.
• Delayed Diagnosis - In delayed diagnosis, the healthcare provider eventually identifies the correct condition, but not until after a significant amount of time has passed. This delay can result in the progression of the disease and worsened outcomes for the patient.
• Wrong Diagnosis - Sometimes, healthcare providers may assign an incorrect diagnosis to a patient. This could stem from various factors, such as misinterpretation of symptoms, reliance on incomplete information, or similarity between different conditions.
• Overdiagnosis - Overdiagnosis occurs when a patient is diagnosed with a condition that would not have caused harm or symptoms during their lifetime. This can lead to unnecessary treatment, exposing the patient to potential risks and complications without providing any benefit.
• Underdiagnosis - Conversely, underdiagnosis happens when a patient's condition is not diagnosed despite the presence of symptoms or risk factors. This can result from healthcare provider errors, patient reluctance to seek medical attention, or limitations in healthcare access.
• Misinterpretation of Test Results - Diagnostic tests such as imaging scans, blood tests, or biopsies can yield false-positive or false-negative results. Misinterpretation of these results can lead to incorrect diagnoses.
• Diagnostic Bias - Healthcare providers may be influenced by biases, such as anchoring bias (focusing on one piece of information too heavily), confirmation bias (seeking evidence that confirms preconceived notions), or availability bias (relying on readily available information), which can affect their diagnostic accuracy.

Our skilled Pittsburgh misdiagnosis lawyers will carefully investigate your case to determine how misdiagnosis contributed to your injury. We work with medical experts who help us investigate cases and build compelling cases for our clients. We will do everything in our power to help you obtain compensation for the losses you have suffered.

Impact of Misdiagnosis on Patients & Families

No matter what the medical condition is, a misdiagnosis could result in very costly medical bills. If the misdiagnosis results in death, then family members may be obligated to pay for end-of-life expenses and struggle financially due to missing family income. All of these damages, costs, and more can be sought in a successfully navigated Pennsylvania wrongful death claim.

FAQs About Misdiagnosis Claims in Pittsburgh, PA

Can I sue my doctor for misdiagnosing me in Pittsburgh?

Yes. If the misdiagnosis resulted from negligence—meaning the doctor failed to meet the standard of care expected of a competent medical professional—and that failure caused you harm, you may have grounds to file a medical malpractice claim.

What do I need to prove in a misdiagnosis malpractice case?

You must typically prove four elements:

1. A doctor-patient relationship existed
2. The doctor was negligent (breached the standard of care)
3. The negligence caused your injury
4. You suffered damages as a result (medical bills, lost wages, worsened health, etc.)

How long do I have to file a misdiagnosis claim in Pittsburgh, PA?

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims is generally two years from the date the injury was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered. However, there is also a seven-year outer limit in most cases, and minors have special rules. It’s best to consult a lawyer as soon as possible.

What types of conditions are commonly misdiagnosed?

Commonly misdiagnosed conditions include:

• Cancer (breast, lung, colon, etc.)
• Heart attacks and strokes
• Infections like sepsis or meningitis
• Autoimmune diseases
• Pulmonary embolism
• Appendicitis

What damages can I recover in a misdiagnosis claim?

You may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost income and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life

In wrongful death cases, funeral expenses and loss of companionship

Is a misdiagnosis always considered malpractice?

Not necessarily. Medicine is not an exact science, and even competent doctors can make diagnostic errors. For a successful claim, the error must have resulted from negligence—such as failing to order appropriate tests, ignoring symptoms, or misreading lab results.

Can I file a claim against a hospital in Pittsburgh for misdiagnosis?

Yes. If the misdiagnosis occurred due to negligence by a hospital-employed physician or due to systemic issues (e.g., understaffing, faulty equipment, poor communication), the hospital may be held liable.

Will I need an expert witness for a misdiagnosis claim in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Pennsylvania law requires that you file a Certificate of Merit, which includes a statement from a qualified medical expert affirming that your case has merit based on a review of the facts.

How can a Pittsburgh medical malpractice attorney help with a misdiagnosis claim?

An experienced attorney can investigate your medical records, consult with medical experts, file necessary documentation, negotiate with insurers, and represent you in court if needed. They can also ensure that your claim meets Pennsylvania’s strict legal and procedural requirements.

Free Consultation: Discuss Your Misdiagnosis Case with Us

Have you or a loved one been injured or fallen ill due to the misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of a medical condition? Contact us today online or by telephone at (844) 383-0565 to speak with an experienced Pittsburgh misdiagnosis attorney. We offer free initial consultations and bill on a contingency fee basis — you will only be asked to reimburse us for costs and fees if we are successful for you. Our commitment to thorough case evaluations and personalized client care in Pittsburgh ensures that you have a strong advocate in your corner, ready to address the unique challenges of your situation.