Maryland Laboratory Error Lawyer
Many diseases and medical conditions can be treated with early diagnosis. Early diagnosis is often achieved through a variety of lab tests. When the wrong lab tests are ordered, the results are misinterpreted or some other error occurs, it can have dire consequences for the patient. The patient may receive delayed medical treatment, the wrong treatment, or no treatment at all.
These lab errors may be considered medical malpractice. Doctors have a responsibility to provide medical care that meets specific standards. When medical staff provide substandard care, the patient may be harmed and therefore entitled to compensation. However, medical testing and laboratory error cases are technical in nature and require a thorough analysis and review by experienced lawyers. Count on the Maryland laboratory error lawyers at Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman to guide you through the process of filing a claim.
Common Lab Errors
There are many ways in which lab tests can go wrong. Some common mistakes that medical professionals make include the following:
- Misidentifying the patient
- Ordering tests on the wrong patient
- Ordering the wrong test
- Mislabeling specimens
- Lack of sterilization
- Mistakenly providing the wrong blood type
- Losing or misplacing samples
- Clerical errors
Any time these errors occur, it is because the doctor is negligent. They are operating below the acceptable standard of care. This negligence can lead to physical and emotional harm for the patient. The patient could develop a worsened condition and may suffer lifelong complications and even death.
Why Lab Errors Are Serious
A lab error can miss something very serious, such as cancer. For example, blood work and biopsies can detect cancer. So can specialized tests, such as the PSA test, which is used to diagnose prostate cancer. Mammograms, X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs are also used to detect not only cancer, but also infections, diseases, and other medical problems.
If a doctor fails to order these tests though, they cannot help diagnose any medical conditions. But even if the tests are ordered, the technician can make a mistake by not conducting the test properly. The doctor could also make an error by not properly interpreting the results. A misdiagnosis can lead to a delay in treatment.
While any doctor can make a mistake, emergency room doctors are especially known for laboratory errors. Because ERs have become overcrowded in recent years, especially in the age of COVID, doctors are overworked with not enough time to adequately treat patients. Many cut corners as a result and fail to order the right tests.
Contact Us Today
Laboratory errors are not minor acts. They could mean that a patient does not receive the treatment they need, and this can be a life or death situation.
A laboratory error lawyer at Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman can assess your case and see how you have been affected. We’ll hold the appropriate medical staff liable for their actions. Call (410) 567-0800 for a free consultation so we can help you get justice and compensation.
