Generally, everyone thinks we will be alright when we consult a doctor. We believe the doctor will mostly care for us regardless of our health problems. But, we should understand that even doctors can make life-threatening mistakes in the patient’s life. Failure to treat disease is known as medical malpractice. For example, suppose the patient may struggle with several health-related issues and symptoms, but the doctor forgets the connection between the dreadful symptoms and the underlying health condition. So, it ruins the patient’s health and even leads to death. Receiving proper medical treatment is crucial for maintaining good health and well-being. Patients trust doctors to provide them with the necessary care to treat their ailments and help them recover.
However, when a doctor fails to treat a disease, it can have severe consequences, including prolonged pain and suffering, worsening of the condition, and even death. Therefore, it is important for patients to know the steps they can take to hold a doctor accountable for their failure to treat a disease. This blog post will outline the steps for taking action against a doctor’s failure to treat a disease and help you learn more about filing a medical malpractice lawsuit and settling or going to trial.
Table of Contents
Examples of ways in which a physician’s failure to treat disease causes injury
There are several examples of ways in which a physician’s failure to treat a disease can cause injury to a patient, including:
1. Delayed Diagnosis: A doctor’s failure to diagnose a disease or condition in a timely manner can cause significant harm to a patient. For example, if a doctor fails to diagnose cancer in its early stages, cancer may spread and become more difficult to treat, potentially leading to a worse outcome for the patient.
2. Wrong Diagnosis: If a doctor misdiagnoses a patient’s condition, the patient may receive incorrect treatment, which can worsen their condition or cause harm. For example, a patient with a bacterial infection may be prescribed an antiviral medication, which will not effectively treat the infection and may cause side effects.
3. Incorrect Treatment: A physician’s failure to provide the correct treatment for a disease can also cause injury. For example, if a patient has an allergy to a specific medication, and the doctor fails to recognize or properly address the allergy, the patient may experience severe side effects or an allergic reaction.
4. Failure to Follow Up: After diagnosing a condition or disease, it is essential that doctors monitor and follow up with patients to ensure that their treatment plan is effective. If a doctor fails to follow up with a patient, they may not be aware of changes in the patient’s condition or whether the treatment plan needs to be adjusted, leading to the worsening of the condition or complications.
How to take action against failure to treat disease?
1. Document everything
When a doctor refuses to treat a disease or provides inadequate treatment, it is essential for the patient to gather as much information and documentation as possible to support their case. You should collect all medical records related to the condition or disease, including lab reports, test results, x-rays, and other diagnostic imaging, as well as prescriptions and other relevant documents. This information can help support the patient’s case and show that the doctor failed to provide appropriate treatment.
You should also keep a detailed record of all symptoms, treatments, and medications they have received. This information can help to identify any gaps in treatment and show that the doctor failed to provide appropriate care. It is also important to record any changes in symptoms, as this can indicate that the condition is worsening or that the treatment is not working. It can also be helpful to seek a second opinion from another medical professional, especially if they suspect that their doctor has failed to provide appropriate care. Another medical professional can provide an independent assessment of the patient’s condition and treatment plan and can provide an expert opinion on whether the doctor failed to provide appropriate care.
2. Contact the Doctor and Hospital
Schedule a meeting with the doctor to discuss concerns and the reasons why they believe the doctor failed to provide appropriate treatment. This may involve expressing disappointment, sharing concerns, and asking for additional tests, referrals to specialists, or additional treatments. Patients should prepare for the meeting by bringing all relevant documentation, including medical records, prescriptions, and detailed notes of symptoms and treatments.
If the meeting with the doctor is not satisfactory or does not resolve the patient’s concerns, you should file a formal complaint with the hospital or medical board. This will typically involve submitting a written complaint, along with any supporting documentation, to the appropriate authority. The hospital or medical board will then investigate the complaint and may take disciplinary action against the doctor if necessary.
3. File a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit
Hire a medical malpractice attorney who has experience in handling similar cases. The attorney can help you understand your legal options and determine whether they have a strong case.
Then collaborate with your attorneys to gather all necessary evidence to support the case, including medical records, prescriptions, detailed notes of symptoms and treatments, and expert opinions from other medical professionals.
This evidence will be used to demonstrate that the doctor failed to provide appropriate treatment and that the patient suffered harm as a result. Your attorney will determine whether you have a strong case before filing a medical malpractice lawsuit in court. The case will typically proceed to trial, where the patient will present their evidence and argue their case. If the patient is successful, they will receive compensation for their injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
In final words, suppose you are involved in a failure to treat disease; you must consult with a knowledgeable and skilled attorney to take the right measures. A good and well-experienced lawyer can easily review your case facts. Moreover, supports you in collecting evidence to process your claim successfully.
