When Failure To Diagnose A Condition Causes Harm
Doctors and medical specialists use state of the art technology and medical testing procedures to diagnose and treat illnesses, diseases and health conditions that in years past were impossible. When your trust is placed in the care of your doctor, you have confidence that you are in good hands. Revelation that a doctor’s failure to diagnose or treat certain conditions causes further suffering for your family often leads to feelings of frustration, grief and anger.
At the Law Offices of W. Scott Sonntag, P.A., in Columbia, we recognize that these emotions are natural, especially when a family member suddenly dies of an undiagnosed condition or when a family member is diagnosed with a late-stage condition that cannot be treated. We help families cope with their anguish and seek closure by seeking answers and taking strong legal action, when necessary.
Not every undiagnosed or untreatable condition calls for a medical malpractice lawsuit. As difficult as it is to hear, some illnesses or conditions just slip through the cracks until it is too late — and, if any other medical professional was involved in the patient’s care, the result would likely have been the same. However, in other instances, there are clear mistakes that were made, tests that should have been ordered, results that should have prompted referrals to a specialist or other medical negligence.
Delayed Diagnosis ∙ Misdiagnosis ∙ Failure to Diagnose
Our law firm provides caring, responsive and experienced legal counsel to patients and families in the Washington, D.C., and Baltimore metro areas who are coping with the setbacks caused by a doctor’s failure to diagnose or treat a medical problem. We handle medical malpractice cases arising from:
- Misdiagnosis of cancer, including misdiagnosis of breast cancer, colon cancer or other type of cancer
- Misdiagnosis of cardiac conditions, such as heart disease or other heart abnormalities that put a patient at greater risk of heart attack
- Failure to diagnose diabetes in pregnant women, adults and children can lead to serious problems, including problems during childbirth, heart disease, ulcers, infection that require amputation and other health risks
- Failure to detect and diagnose risks for stroke, including recognizing warning signs for a stroke, such as a mini stroke or TIA (transient ischemic attack)
- Failure to diagnose risk of pulmonary embolism, such as blood clots in the legs or failure to properly monitor and perform proper testing on patients in the emergency room
- Failure to treat infections or illnesses, leading to a more serious concern or health complication or even death
With attorney Scott Sonntag’s 30+ years of medical malpractice experience — 17 years on the defense side and more than 15 years advocating for plaintiffs — and our law firm’s extensive network of specialists and other resources, we can help clients identify when a case requires a closer look and when a possible medical malpractice claim against the doctor, hospital or other provider could be made.
As a medical malpractice lawyer, Scott Sonntag has handled over 200 jury trials and has successfully resolved thousands of settlements on behalf of individuals and families who have suffered as a result of medical negligence in Washington, D.C., and beyond. His credibility with insurance companies, and the medical providers they defend, has benefited our clients in our years of practice.
Finding Closure After a Tragic Event
Discuss your situation with an experienced medical malpractice lawyer and learn your options. Contact us to schedule a free initial consultation. Because we forward all costs and do not charge a fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf, there is no risk to obtain answers.