When doctors treat patients with certain conditions, it is imperative that they accurately diagnose them. Without proper diagnosis, Illinois patients’ actual conditions could get worse due to delayed treatment. In one such case, a woman filed a claim against Baptist Health for misdiagnoses.
The woman says that she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis back in 2010 when she began to experience pain in her lower back and headaches. However, she was apparently misdiagnosed and found that out when she obtained a second opinion at another medical facility. Reports indicate that she was informed that she was not suffering from the condition. Eventually, the woman discovered that this may have been a case of health care fraud after she watched an episode on the news.
The doctor who had diagnosed her allegedly had a shady history and had previously been suspended for engaging in sexual activity with a patient. The patient in that case had also been diagnosed as having multiple sclerosis. In addition, the doctor had been involved in a lawsuit against him for over $2 million in a Medicare fraud case.
The woman’s current condition has not been specified in reports. However, if she was seriously injured or her actual condition got worse, then she may be able to recover damages. A successfully navigated claim in the civil courts may result in an award being issued to the woman. Illinois patients who have been in similar situations to this woman may want to explore legal options available to them for misdiagnoses. An experienced personal injury attorney can properly advise them on the next steps and answer any questions they may have.
Source: bizjournals.com, “Local woman suing Baptist Health for misdiagnosis“, Alexa Epitropoulos, Feb. 10, 2015