Doctors are making a more careful attempt at keeping track of patient diagnosis by using things like electronic alerts and reminders to order tests, and to follow up with lab reports. This is because of the large amount of malpractice cases involving doctors’ mistakes. Things have fallen through the cracks, doctors have failed to communicate with one another and diagnosis have been missed.

About 40% of malpractice suits include diagnostic error and it is estimated that about 40,000 to 80,000 hospitalized patients are killed each year because of these errors.

Studies show that these cases do not usually have just one cause, but that it is a breakdown that builds up and leads to either a late diagnosis or a missed diagnosis. The most commonly missed or delayed diagnosis is breast cancer. There was a case that occured last year where a woman came to the doctor claiming that she had a lump in her breast. The doctor examined her and told her that it was just a cyst. The lump got worse and began to bleed. Finally, a biopsy was done and found that it was in fact cancer. The woman ended up dying from this and her family is suing for total costs of $2.9 million.

Doctors need to take better care. Patients should not have to suffer from the doctors mistakes. Our Toledo, Ohio wrongful death malpractice lawyers are experienced at getting the settlement you deserve. If you have lost a loved one to a wrongful death call 800.637.8170 to request your free Ohio Wrongful Death Book and schedule your free consultation.

The original article is from The Wall Street Journal:PErsonal Journal 9-28-10