Personal Injury Law Blog

Diagnostic errors are an invisible threat within healthcare settings. According to a recent study published in the journal BMJ Quality & Safety, they affect one in every 14 hospitalized patients. The majority, around 85 percent, of the diagnostic errors were preventable. These errors can have serious consequences for patients, often leading to delayed treatment, unnecessary procedures, or life-altering complications.

Researchers reviewed records from 675 randomly selected hospitalized patients who were later transferred to the ICU. Among these cases, 7.2 percent of patients experienced some form of harm due to diagnostic errors, most of which were preventable. Just over 6 percent of cases involved moderate harm. Alarmingly, 1.1 percent of the cases resulted in severe harm, including permanent injury or even death. Patients with complex medical conditions were found to be at the highest risk.

The harm caused by diagnostic errors stems from breakdowns in several critical areas. Patients were subjected to incomplete assessments, delayed or incorrect diagnostic tests, and poor communication between medical professionals. Failures in collecting and understanding medical histories also contributed to these outcomes.

While the study focused on a single hospital, the researchers said the findings can help lead to improved outcomes within the healthcare system. They aim to conduct studies using a similar process to measure diagnostic error rates at other hospitals nationwide. The team also identified AI as a potentially helpful tool for identifying diagnostic and medical errors early to improve patient safety.

Diagnostic errors often highlight systemic failures within hospitals and clinics, ranging from overworked staff to flawed electronic health record systems. The researchers emphasized that no single individual or process is solely to blame. Instead, the problem lies in the complex interplay of human factors, technological limitations, and systemic inefficiencies.

For patients harmed by diagnostic errors, the effects extend far beyond the immediate medical consequences. Emotional distress, financial hardship, and reduced quality of life are common experiences for those affected. Patients’ families may also endure significant burdens as they navigate the aftermath of a misdiagnosis. In many instances, these errors could have been prevented with more thorough care and better communication among medical teams.

Diagnostic errors are among the most common types of medical mistakes that healthcare providers make. You trust that by attending all your scheduled doctor’s appointments and actively managing your health, medical professionals will identify and address any conditions early enough for effective treatment. However, misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis remain leading contributors to avoidable adverse health outcomes for patients of all ages. When diagnostic errors occur, patients and their families may wonder if they have legal options to address the harm they have suffered.

In cases where negligence or substandard care played a role, pursuing a medical malpractice claim may be possible. Taking legal action can help victims secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and the pain and suffering they endured. Furthermore, holding healthcare providers accountable can encourage institutions to implement stronger safety measures, potentially preventing future errors.

It is important to note that pursuing a medical malpractice claim requires strong evidence. This often involves reviewing medical records, consulting with expert witnesses, and demonstrating how a healthcare provider’s actions deviated from the standard of care. For patients, this process can feel daunting, especially while recovering from the harm they have experienced. This is where the support of an experienced medical malpractice lawyer can be invaluable.

If you or a family member has been injured due to a diagnostic error, the Chicago medical malpractice attorneys at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg are here to help. With decades of experience handling all types of personal injury cases, our firm is dedicated to advocating for patients’ rights. Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can assist you in holding negligent healthcare providers accountable and obtaining the compensation you deserve.