Holding Doctors Accountable for Diagnostic Mistakes
When you visit a doctor, you trust that they will correctly identify your condition and provide the care you need. But when a medical professional fails to diagnose an illness, or delays treatment because of a misdiagnosis, patients may suffer permanent harm. Some conditions — such as cancer, stroke, or heart attack — require quick and accurate diagnosis. Any delay can mean the difference between recovery and lifelong injury.
At The C. Paul Law Firm P.C., we represent patients across [City] and throughout New York who were harmed by misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis. Our firm works with medical experts to expose negligence and fight for the compensation victims deserve.
Call today for a free consultation: (212) 551-PAUL
Common Misdiagnosed or Delayed Conditions
| Condition | Common Error | Potential Impact |
| Cancer | Failure to order imaging, misread biopsies | Advanced cancer, reduced survival rate |
| Heart Attack | Mistaken for indigestion or anxiety | Cardiac arrest, wrongful death |
| Stroke | Delayed CT/MRI scans, misread symptoms | Paralysis, brain damage |
| Infections (Sepsis, Meningitis) | Dismissed as minor illness | Organ failure, death |
| Fractures & Internal Injuries | Missed in ER due to poor imaging review | Chronic pain, disability |
| Pregnancy Complications | Misdiagnosed maternal conditions | Harm to mother and baby |
Causes of Misdiagnosis & Delayed Diagnosis
- Failure to order proper tests
- Ignoring or dismissing patient symptoms
- Misreading lab results, imaging, or scans
- Inadequate time spent with patients
- Poor communication among medical staff
- Overworked or understaffed facilities
Legal Considerations in Misdiagnosis Cases
To prove malpractice, patients must show:
- A doctor-patient relationship existed.
- The doctor failed to act as a reasonably competent physician would.
- That failure caused delayed or incorrect treatment.
- The patient suffered measurable injury or damages.
Compensation for Victims of Misdiagnosis
Victims of diagnostic malpractice may be entitled to damages for:
- Emergency and corrective treatment
- Long-term medical care and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and diminished earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and loss of quality of life
- Wrongful death damages for surviving families
Frequently Asked Questions
Is every diagnostic mistake malpractice?
Not always. Malpractice occurs when a reasonably careful doctor would not have made the same mistake.
What if my cancer was diagnosed late?
If earlier diagnosis would have improved your outcome, you may have a malpractice claim.
Can an ER doctor be held responsible for misdiagnosis?
Yes. Emergency room staff often face misdiagnosis claims due to rushed or incomplete care.
How long do I have to file a misdiagnosis lawsuit in New York?
Generally 2.5 years from the date of malpractice, though exceptions may apply.
Serving [City] and the Greater New York Area
We represent patients and families in [City], Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and across New York in misdiagnosis cases.