Can You Sue a Dermatologist for Diagnostic Errors?
The skin is an incredible organ. It is the largest organ of the body and defends you against diseases. When you have an issue with your skin, it is crucial you seek prompt medical attention. A dermatologist is the doctor you see when you have skin issues. A dermatologist can assess, diagnose, and treat your condition. When you visit a dermatologist, and they fail to diagnose or misdiagnose your condition, you may wonder if you can sue them and recover financial compensation. Whether or not you can sue the doctor depends on the specifics of your case. If a dermatologist misdiagnosed you, talk to an experienced medical malpractice attorney. An attorney can evaluate your case and determine if you have a valid medical malpractice case.
Dermatologists and Diagnostic Errors
Getting the correct diagnosis for your skin condition is crucial. The proper diagnosis ensures that the doctor treats your skin condition correctly. For example, one of the most serious skin conditions dermatologists deal with is skin cancer. Unfortunately, some dermatologists misdiagnose or fail to diagnose skin cancer. If a dermatologist misdiagnoses or fails to diagnose your skin cancer, the disease may spread to other body parts. A misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis may result in you suffering a reduced chance of recovering from skin cancer or even death. When skin cancer is identified early, it can allow for treatment options. Early detection of skin cancer can lead to a better prognosis.
Other most commonly misdiagnosed skin conditions include psoriasis and eczema.
Can You Sue a Dermatologist for Diagnostic Errors?
If a diagnostic error occurred because of a dermatologist’s negligence, you may be able to file a medical malpractice claim against the dermatologist and recover financial compensation. Negligence means that the dermatologist acted unreasonably. It means that the dermatologist acted in a manner that is not acceptable under the medical standard of care.
To have a successful medical malpractice claim, the following are the elements you will have to prove:
- The dermatologist acted as your doctor (this is typically easy to prove)
- The dermatologist deviated from the medical standard of care
- The standard of care deviation caused you harm
- You suffered damages as a result of the dermatologist’s negligence
An experienced medical malpractice lawyer can help you with your case.
Damages You Can Recover After a Dermatologist Commits Medical Malpractice
If you can prove the dermatologist is guilty of malpractice, you may be able to recover several types of damages, including economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical expenses and lost wages. Non-economic losses include pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment, and mental anguish.
Contact an Atlanta Diagnosis Error Attorney
If a dermatologist misdiagnosed or failed to diagnose your skin condition, contact our skilled Atlanta diagnosis error attorney at Carroll Law Firm for help determining if you have a valid medical malpractice case.
Source:
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriasis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355840
