The Camp Lejeune water contamination issue is very contentious, and these claims have many legal complexities. While there are VA claims and class action lawsuits against the government, there is also the possibility of filing a Philadelphia medical malpractice lawsuit. There are reasonable expectations for physicians, and while they can make mistakes, it is their responsibility to ensure you get all diagnostic testing to eliminate or prove the medical condition you are suffering from. Failing to diagnose a condition leads to it becoming worse and can even result in death.
When it comes to Camp Lejeune conditions, some are easily diagnosed, and veterans often see the same doctors through the VA. It is vital to your health and longevity to receive adequate medical care. Veterans usually go through the VA for healthcare, and since these doctors work with many veterans, they will see similarities. If you are a Camp Lejeune veteran, you must speak with a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawyer.
Consequences of delayed diagnosis
Medical personnel must identify and treat conditions when there is an onset of symptoms. When there is a delay in determining your medical condition, medical professional may order the wrong tests and:
- Misread test results
- Not act on abnormal results
- Choose the improper treatment for your ailments
- Not evaluate medical information
- Fail to order diagnostic tests
A delay in diagnosis can result in your condition worsening to a point where few treatment options are available. If the medical staff misdiagnoses or there is a delay in diagnosis, they can be held liable under medical malpractice law.
What is a misdiagnosis?
Every year there are 12 million adults who are misdiagnosed. The number is shocking, and these victims often get treatment for the wrong ailment due to the negligence of medical professionals. Nearly half of cancers are misdiagnosed, one of the conditions prevalent among Camp Lejeune veterans. Misdiagnosed conditions happen when a medical professional fails to recognize a patient’s disease or condition. It is especially harrowing when it is a severe condition like Cancer. Many severe conditions, such as stroke, sepsis, and even heart attacks, are misdiagnosed.
Common medical misdiagnosis
You trust that the doctors and medical staff you see will help you improve and not cause more harm. While you do not expect to get better overnight, you assume all the tests you undergo will lead to the right treatment path. The most common misdiagnoses include:
- Infections
- Heart attack
- Appendicitis
- Pulmonary embolisms
- Aortic dissections
- Pneumonia
- Cancer
- Breasts
- Lung
- Cervical
- Testicular
- Colorectal
- prostate
While these are the most common, they are not the only conditions doctors misdiagnose, especially for Camp Lejeune victims.
Medical conditions from Camp Lejeune water contamination
Cancer is the most prevalent medical condition stemming from the Camp Lejeune water contamination. When VA doctors are treating multiple people with the same symptoms, they should know to investigate further and notice the overlap in symptoms. When a VA doctor does not investigate and diagnose a patient correctly, it can lead to physical and financial losses. Some of the common medical conditions from the water contamination at Camp Lejeune are:
- Adult leukemia
- Aplastic anemia
- Bladder cancer
- Brain cancer
- Breast cancer
- Cervical Cancer
- Lung cancer
- Liver cancer
- Miscarriage
- Thyroid cancer
- Parkinsons
You will see Cancer over and over because it is the common result of the toxic chemicals in the water. Knowing this information, VA doctors should better diagnose veterans and their families correctly.
Medical malpractice claims
A delay or misdiagnosis of a condition causes the victim extensive medical bills and financial hardships. It also means the actual cause of the symptoms is not being treated. You can file a medical malpractice claim when you are not being treated for the proper condition. You can recover compensation for medical expenses, out-of-pocket costs, time off work, and more. A direct correlation to Camp Lejeune water contamination can also cause you to lose out on VA health care and disability benefits. Contact Kwartler Manus, LLC, at (267) 457-5570 to review your case and compensation options, whether through a Camp Lejeune or medical malpractice lawsuit.