When the Wrong Answer Creates the Wrong Outcome

A misdiagnosis can feel like a betrayal of trust. You relied on a medical provider to listen, evaluate your symptoms, and reach the correct conclusion. Instead, the wrong diagnosis may lead to improper treatment, worsening symptoms, preventable complications, or a serious condition progressing untreated.

For many patients, the harm is not limited to physical injury. It is the fear, frustration, and loss of time that cannot be recovered. Some patients are treated for conditions they never had. Others are told their symptoms are stress, anxiety, or “nothing serious,” only to later learn they were facing cancer, infection, stroke, or another life-threatening illness. A medical malpractice attorney in Dublin, OH can help evaluate whether the wrong diagnosis crossed the line into negligence.

Misdiagnosis cases require careful investigation, medical expert review, and a strategy grounded in evidence. At The Stuckey Firm, we work with you, not just for you, and we pursue answers with the seriousness these cases deserve. After experiencing the repercussions of a misdiagnosis, the stress of dealing with insurance companies can feel like a second injury. We take that pressure off you so you can focus on healing and taking care of your family.

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What Is a Misdiagnosis Claim?

A misdiagnosis claim is a type of medical malpractice case that alleges a healthcare provider diagnosed a patient incorrectly and that the wrong diagnosis caused harm. Misdiagnosis can involve an incorrect diagnosis, failure to properly interpret test results, failure to order appropriate testing, or failure to refer a patient to a specialist. These cases often focus on whether a reasonably careful provider would have reached the correct diagnosis based on the symptoms, test results, and medical history available at the time. Misdiagnosis may also overlap with delayed diagnosis or failure to diagnose, depending on how the case developed. For legal context on how medical information may be handled during litigation, Ohio evidentiary rules address medical privilege, including Ohio Revised Code Section 2317.02.

The Benefits of Working With a Medical Malpractice Attorney for Misdiagnosis

  • A Thorough Review of What Was Done and What Was Missed - Misdiagnosis cases require a detailed review of symptoms, diagnostic decisions, test results, and provider notes. Legal representation helps identify whether standard diagnostic steps were skipped or warning signs were misinterpreted.
  • Expert Support to Prove the Standard of Care - These cases typically require medical experts who can explain what a reasonably careful provider should have done and how the correct diagnosis should have been reached under similar circumstances.
  • A Claim That Reflects the Full Impact of the Delay - Misdiagnosis often means the wrong treatment was provided or necessary treatment was delayed. A well-prepared claim accounts for additional procedures, worsened prognosis, permanent injury, and long-term complications.
  • Trial-Ready Preparation When the Defense Pushes Back - Providers and insurers frequently argue that symptoms were unclear or the outcome was inevitable. A trial-ready approach helps challenge those defenses with evidence and expert analysis.

Does My Situation Require a Misdiagnosis Lawyer in Dublin, OH?

You may benefit from legal guidance if a wrong diagnosis led to delayed treatment, unnecessary procedures, worsening symptoms, or serious complications. Misdiagnosis cases commonly involve cancer, stroke, heart attack, blood clots, infections, autoimmune disorders, and neurological conditions.

You should also consider speaking with a misdiagnosis lawyer in Dublin, OH if a provider repeatedly dismissed symptoms, misread imaging or lab results, failed to refer you to a specialist, or treated you for a condition that did not align with your test results. If the consequences were serious, a confidential consultation can help determine whether the misdiagnosis may qualify as malpractice.

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The Process for Misdiagnosis Cases What to Expect

Step One: Building the Diagnostic Timeline

We begin by listening to what happened and creating a clear timeline of symptoms, appointments, testing, diagnosis, and when the correct diagnosis was eventually made. These details often reveal where the care went off course.

Step Two: Records Collection and Expert Review

We gather medical records, lab results, imaging studies, provider notes, and treatment history. We then consult qualified medical experts who can evaluate whether the diagnosis fell below accepted standards and whether earlier intervention would have changed the outcome.

Step Three: Building the Claim

If malpractice is supported, we build a claim that reflects additional treatment caused by the misdiagnosis, medical costs, future care needs, wage loss, and the broader impact on quality of life. In severe cases, a misdiagnosis may shorten life expectancy or require permanent disability planning.

Step Four: Negotiation or Litigation

Some cases resolve through negotiation. Others require litigation to pursue accountability. We prepare every case thoroughly and work with you to decide what approach best aligns with your goals and the strength of the evidence.

Our team prepares every case with the strength to go to trial if needed. But even when a lawsuit is filed, many cases still resolve through settlement before trial ever becomes necessary.

Common Types of Misdiagnosis

Misdiagnosis can occur across many medical specialties, particularly when symptoms require urgent testing or specialist referral. Common examples include:

  • Cancer misdiagnosis or delayed identification
  • Stroke symptoms dismissed as migraine, anxiety, or fatigue
  • Heart attack symptoms misread or ignored
  • Infections misdiagnosed, leading to sepsis or organ damage
  • Blood clots mistaken for muscle strain or routine pain
  • Neurological disorders diagnosed late or incorrectly
  • Internal bleeding or traumatic injury not identified

Misdiagnosis is widely recognized as a serious patient safety issue. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality provides federal research and guidance on diagnostic errors and their impact on patient outcomes.

“My wife and I are so thankful for The Stuckey Firm. They represented us and advocated for what was owed to our family. We are pleased with their service and their results.”

—B.

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Why Choose The Stuckey Firm?

A Client-First Firm That Works With You

Misdiagnosis cases can leave patients angry, grieving, and exhausted. We work with you, not just for you, taking time to listen and explain your options clearly so you can make informed decisions throughout the process.

Trial-Ready Preparation for High-Stakes Malpractice Claims

Medical providers and insurers often defend these cases aggressively. We prepare thoroughly, rely on strong expert support, and build evidence that reflects the full medical reality, including the consequences of delay.

Credibility That Strengthens the Case

Our attorneys are respected statewide and known for bringing well-prepared, meritorious claims. That credibility matters in malpractice cases where insurers attempt to argue the misdiagnosis was unavoidable or inconsequential.

Misdiagnosis Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between misdiagnosis and failure to diagnose?

Misdiagnosis involves receiving the wrong diagnosis, while failure to diagnose means a condition was not identified at all. Both can cause serious harm and may qualify as malpractice depending on the circumstances.

What if the provider says my symptoms were vague or unclear?

This is a common defense. A detailed review of medical records and expert analysis can help determine whether warning signs were present and required further testing.

How long do I have to take legal action in Ohio?

Medical malpractice claims are subject to strict time limits, which may depend on when the injury was discovered. Speaking with counsel early helps protect your rights and preserve evidence.

Do misdiagnosis cases require medical experts?

Yes. Most misdiagnosis cases require expert testimony to explain what diagnostic steps should have been taken and how the correct diagnosis should have been reached.

How do you prove a misdiagnosis caused harm?

The case typically focuses on whether an earlier, correct diagnosis would have changed treatment options or improved outcomes. Evidence often includes medical records, expert opinions, and documentation of disease progression.

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Get Answers About a Possible Misdiagnosis in Dublin, OH

If you believe a wrong diagnosis led to serious harm, you deserve clarity. Contact The Stuckey Firm to schedule a confidential consultation and get straightforward guidance on whether malpractice may be involved and what your next steps could look like.

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If you’re unsure what to do next, we’re here to listen and help you understand your options

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