Q: what are my rights when a medical facility reads a lab report wrong, and ends up in multiple expensive tests?
I had a lab test taken, in feb 2023, and it was read incorrectly, for 1 yr 4 months I had the pretense that I had recurring shingles virus, this caused me much stress ( not needed ) . I also had an mri performed checking for possible nerve or infection from recurring shingles, and was referred to an infectious disease dr. who simply told me " they read the lab test incorrectly ". Was humiliating.... now I have 1000's of $'s of med bills. I also had to cancel my health insurance, cannot afford to pay for that and the bills accrued. Do I have any rights about paying for this mistake?
A:
If a medical facility misread your lab report, leading to unnecessary stress, treatments, and significant medical bills, you may have legal recourse. Medical professionals have a duty of care to provide accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatment. When errors occur, especially those leading to significant financial and emotional distress, you might be able to seek compensation for their mistake.
First, gather all relevant documentation, including the original lab report, records of the misdiagnosis, and bills for the additional tests and treatments. Document any communication with healthcare providers that supports your claim that the lab test was misread. This evidence will be crucial in proving your case.
Consider consulting with a medical malpractice attorney to discuss your situation. They can help you understand your rights and guide you through the process of filing a claim for medical negligence. The attorney can assist you in seeking compensation for the unnecessary medical expenses, emotional distress, and any other damages you incurred due to the misdiagnosis. Taking these steps can help you address the financial burden and hold the medical facility accountable for their mistake.
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