Personal Injury Attorney Hale Suggests Second Opinion When Suspecting Medical Malpractice

Waxahachie, TX (Law Firm Newswire) September 1, 2013 – According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), at least 40 percent of people who go to the doctor leave the medical office feeling that they have been misdiagnosed.

The Institute of Medicine reports that more individuals die in the U.S. each year due to some form of medical malpractice, including a medical misdiagnosis, than the number of people who die annually from accidents on the nation’s highways, or from breast cancer. Medical malpractice is a real health threat, and medical misdiagnoses happen with alarming frequency.

“Typically, an individual begins to suspect a medical misdiagnosis only after they find their symptoms are worsening after beginning treatment, such as taking prescription medications,” commented John Hale, a Waxahachie personal injury lawyer. “But sometimes, they can leave the doctor’s office feeling that their symptoms were not taken seriously, or their concerns were dismissed.”

Medical misdiagnosis falls under the umbrella of medical malpractice. A typical medical misdiagnosis happens when a health professional, or doctor, either fails to diagnose a condition or disease in a timely fashion, or incorrectly diagnoses a condition. Medical professionals such as doctors and physician’s assistants have a duty to provide their patient’s care in accordance with prevailing medical standards. When they fail to do so, it’s negligence and the basis for a medical malpractice claim. Victims of medical malpractice are entitled to specific compensation under Texas law.

“When you have a medical issue, work as your own health advocate,” says Hale. “Pursue a second opinion from another doctor, if you feel your concerns were not taken seriously, or that your condition was not adequately examined.”

Any individual who feels that they have been misdiagnosed or was otherwise a victim of medical malpractice may wish to keep notes of doctor visits and medications, and bring those concerns to a personal injury attorney to explore their legal options.

Learn more at http://www.hale911.com/ The Hale Law Firm 100 Executive Court, Suite 3 Waxahachie, TX 75165 Call: 888.425.3911