How Delayed or Misdiagnosis Can Change Your Life—and What To Do Next

A delayed or incorrect diagnosis can transform a treatable condition into a life-altering crisis. At Frank Spector Law, we’ve helped many clients whose lives were forever changed due to diagnostic errors.

Case Example

Consider a Baltimore resident who visits the ER with severe abdominal pain. Instead of ordering imaging or lab tests, the patient is discharged. Two days later, they return with a ruptured appendix and life-threatening sepsis. That’s a tragic and preventable error—one that qualifies as medical negligence.

Recognizing Diagnostic Failures

• Symptoms ignored or misread

• Failure to order necessary tests

• Delays in referrals to specialists

• Miscommunication between providers

Why These Errors Happen

• Overcrowded emergency rooms

• Fatigue and burnout among medical staff

• Overreliance on technology without human oversight

How the Law Can Help

Frank Spector Law works to prove malpractice by:

• Thoroughly reviewing medical records

• Consulting with board-certified experts

• Filing a Certificate of Qualified Expert

• Demonstrating causation and damages, such as additional medical bills or loss of income

Protecting Your Rights

Time is critical. Maryland’s statute of limitations gives victims just three years from the discovery of the injury, or five years from the incident itself, to file a claim. And under Maryland’s strict contributory negligence law, even 1% fault assigned to the patient can bar recovery.

Conclusion

Delayed or missed diagnoses shouldn’t go unchallenged. If a doctor’s inaction led to harm, Frank Spector Law is ready to help. Call today for a free, confidential consultation.