A hospital visit should provide answers and effective treatment, but diagnostic mistakes can have devastating consequences. A delayed or incorrect diagnosis may allow a serious condition to worsen, leading to unnecessary medical procedures or permanent complications. After suffering harm due to the actions of a healthcare professional, speaking with our medical malpractice attorneys in Harrisburg is an important first step.
How Misdiagnosis Happens in Hospitals
Hospital environments are often busy and fast-paced, but healthcare providers are still expected to follow accepted standards of medical care. When doctors, nurses, or other medical professionals fail to meet those standards, patients can suffer significant harm. Some of the most common causes of hospital misdiagnosis include:
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Failing to order appropriate diagnostic testing
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Misinterpreting laboratory or imaging results
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Ignoring or overlooking a patient’s symptoms
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Failing to review a patient’s medical history
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Poor communication between healthcare providers
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Rushing through examinations because of heavy patient workloads
Not every incorrect diagnosis amounts to medical malpractice. However, when a reasonably competent healthcare provider would have reached the correct diagnosis under similar circumstances, the injured patient may have a valid legal claim.
Proving a Medical Malpractice Claim
To recover compensation in a Pennsylvania medical malpractice case, the attorneys at Marzella & Associates work to establish several important legal elements. Our lawyers gather evidence that demonstrates:
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The healthcare provider owed you a duty of care.
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The provider failed to meet the accepted standard of care.
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That failure directly caused your injury.
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You suffered damages such as additional medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, or other losses.
Building a strong claim often requires extensive evidence. Our attorneys work closely with our clients to gather the necessary proof for their case. Key evidence may include:
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Complete medical records from the hospital, emergency department, and any follow-up providers
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Diagnostic test results, including lab reports, imaging scans (such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs), and pathology findings
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Physician and nursing notes documenting symptoms, treatment decisions, and clinical observations
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Medication records showing what was prescribed, when, and why
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Timeline of symptoms, including when they first appeared and how they progressed
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Communication records between healthcare providers, including referrals and consultations
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Discharge instructions and follow-up recommendations provided by the hospital
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Documentation of damages, such as additional medical bills, lost wages, and records of ongoing treatment or rehabilitation
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Expert medical opinions, which help establish whether the provider’s actions fell below the accepted standard of care
Speak with Our Harrisburg Medical Malpractice Lawyers About Your Legal Options
If a hospital’s failure to properly diagnose your condition caused you additional harm, you do not have to face the legal process alone. At Marzella & Associates, we offer free case assessments to clients living in Harrisburg, Hanover, Lancaster, and surrounding Pennsylvania areas.
During your evaluation, you’ll be able to describe your situation in full detail. From there, our medical malpractice lawyers in Harrisburg can offer transparent legal guidance, allowing you to take control of your case. Contact our team today by calling 717-234-7828 or by using our online contact form to learn more.