Failure to diagnose a costly mistake

With medical care in the United States ranking among the top in the world, there is almost never any doubt when deciding to take a loved one to a medical professional when they are not feeling well. A quick trip to a Maryland doctor often provides a medical diagnosis and sometimes even a prescription for medication to help cure what ails. But what happens when there is a failure to diagnose?

A 45-year-old Army veteran had developed some health issues after being honorably discharged from the Army several years earlier. He sought medical advice from his nearest VA Medical Center. For six months the victim waited for an appointment and was finally seen by a nurse practitioner. Upon examination, some abnormalities were found but no further action was suggested or discussed with the victim. A year later, the Army veteran learned that he had advance-stage, terminal cancer, which could probably have been cured had it been diagnosed and treated when the nurse practitioner originally found the abnormalities and if she had suggested further investigation.

The victim filed a federal lawsuit against the United States government. The lawsuit claimed that the Veterans Administration failed to provide appropriate, timely, and competent medical care. The judge ruled in favor of the Army veteran and awarded $2.5 million in damages.

At a time when most are suffering and in pain, dealing with a medical negligence claim can seem like an insurmountable task. A compassionate and knowledgeable attorney who understands medical malpractice and failure to diagnose claims can help families and victims understand their rights under Maryland law. Compensation from a successful claim can help cover medical bills and final expenses as well as future family needs.

Source: businesswire.com, “Military Veteran Wins $2.5 Million Verdict in Medical Negligence Lawsuit Against the VA“, March 6, 2017