Delayed Diagnosis Injury

Delayed Diagnosis

When a delayed diagnosis causes permanent injury, it could be the basis for a malpractice case. But, what is a delayed diagnosis injury? How does a delayed diagnosis cause permanent disability?

Recent News About Delayed Diagnosis

A recent news story illustrates the real concerns of delayed diagnosis complications. An Ohio boy was having problems with ear pain. His mother took him to the doctor, who ordered testing. The nurse ordered testing and sent samples to the lab. She needed the results back within 2 hours. But, test results didn’t come back until six days later.

Meanwhile, the boy’s pain spread and so did the infection. The infection became so severe it caused infection in the brain. Now, the boy is completely paralyzed. He is only able to move his eyes. He requires constant care for the rest of his life.

Who Is At Fault For Delayed Diagnosis?

Delayed diagnosis can be caused by several factors. In the case above, the testing lab made a mistake. Additionally, the nurse that ordered the urgent testing didn’t follow up. These delays caused the delay in diagnosis, which allowed the infection to spread.

Delayed Diagnosis Causes Permanent Injury

If the ear infection had been caught earlier when the testing was ordered, it could have been treated. Additionally, the boy would have been fine after the ear infection cleared up. Instead, the infection spread to his brain and caused permanent injury. In other situations, different circumstances could contribute to a delayed diagnosis.