The Dangers of Delayed Diagnosis
For a huge variety of different medical problems, it is imperative that you got prompt and immediate medical treatment. While any medical condition should be treated right away, a delay in diagnosis can be more serious with certain illnesses than with others. For example, some of the different conditions that can be most adversely affected by delayed diagnosis include:
- Brain injuries. Often, there are no outward symptoms or the symptoms of a brain injury may not seem as severe as they really are. Unfortunately, bleeding, bruising or swelling of the brain that is not diagnosed can be fatal.
- Internal bleeding. Just like with brain injuries, there may not be a clear outward symptom associated with every internal injury that causes bleeding. Left untreated, however, internal bleeding can be fatal.
- Diabetes. Left untreated, diabetes or even pre-diabetes can do serious damage to the body. Kidney problems may become exacerbated by out-of-control insulin levels and undiagnosed diabetes could increase the risk of complications such as blindness or amputation.
- Blood clots. A blood clot can cause serious damage to the body, especially if it travels to the brain and causes a stroke.
- Cardiac problems. An undiagnosed cardiac condition can result in your heart continually having to work harder. The risk of a heart attack may increase and the outcome could potentially be fatal.
- Cancer. A 2008 article printed in Wired.com reported that there may be up to a 90 percent cure rate for many cancers diagnosed early while the survival statistics on those diagnosed with advanced cancer dropped to 10 percent.
- Arthritis. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent joint deformities and other complications associated with this potentially debilitating disease.
These are just a few examples of the many types of medical problems that can quickly become worse if not diagnosed promptly. In fact, almost any medical condition becomes more serious the longer it is allowed to persist.
see how we've made a difference
If you are hesitating to call us for help, take a look at our recent case results.
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$450,000 $450k for a Family Who Suffered Serious Injuries in an Automobile Accident
For a Family Who Suffered Serious Injuries in an Automobile Accident
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$1,320,000 $1.32 Million for Man Involved in T-Bone Collision
Man Involved in T-Bone Collision
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$200,000 $200k for an Individual Was Injured in an Accident While on the Side of the Road
For an Individual Was Injured in an Accident While on the Side of the Road
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$1,600,000 $1.6 Million Wrongful Death
Anonymous Wrongful Death Case
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$650,000 $650k for Client Who Suffered a Back Injury in a Rear-End Collision
For Client Who Suffered a Back Injury in a Rear-End Collision
An Attorney Can Help After a Delayed Diagnosis
If you or a loved one is harmed as a result of a delayed diagnosis, you may be able to file a medical malpractice claim against the doctor or healthcare provider responsible for your delayed treatment. The ability to file such a claim will depend both on whether you can prove it was negligent for the doctor not to diagnose you correctly as well as whether you can prove that the delayed diagnosis actually caused you some type of harm.
Medical malpractice cases based on delayed diagnosis can have many legal complications. For instance, first you will need to show that a reasonably competent doctor in the same position as your physician would have diagnosed you properly and that it was unreasonably poor care for your doctor to have made the mistake. Only by showing that no reasonable doctor with the same background would have delayed your diagnosis can you hold your doctor accountable. Second, you will need to show that the doctor's failure actually caused you to suffer some type of additional harm that you wouldn't have suffered if you'd been diagnosed in a more timely manner.
An Atlanta delayed diagnosis lawyer can help you to get the evidence you need to prove all of the necessary elements of a medical malpractice claim. Atlanta medical malpractice attorneys understand delayed diagnoses cases and can put together convincing evidence, including expert testimony, to show why you were harmed and why you deserve to be compensated for the harm.
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Proven Record of Results
Van Sant Law has recovered millions in compensation for our clients’ benefit.
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Years of Experience
Van Sant Law is committed to professional and experienced personal injury representation.
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Awards and Accolades
10.0 “Superb” rating on Avvo™, Super Lawyers Rising Stars, National Trial Lawyers Association Top 40 Under 40
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Strategic and Aggressive
Our legal team includes former defense attorneys for large insurers who know how they settle injury claims.
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Personal and Compassionate
Our firm works hard to ensure that your needs are taken care of during your recovery time. We work for you so you can get your life back.
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No Fee Guarantee
Our firm works on a contingency fee basis. Meaning there are no fees or costs unless we recover compensation for you!
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They were referred to me by a close friend of mine. Extremely professional, and asked the language I feel comfortable to discuss my case in. Alex Rusanov was my case manager and explained every aspect of my case during the process. I would highly recommend to use this law firm if you were injured in a car accident. Drive safe and stay alert!- Angela
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I had the best experience with VanSant Law. I am forever grateful for Van Sant Law and will use them in the future.
- Moe -
Attorney David M. Van Sant is one of the best injury trial attorneys here in the Atlanta area. They are precise and unique in their approach. When I had my car accident, my whole world was turned upside down, but with Attorney Van Sant and his team of professionals dedication and quality of service, my life is back on track.
- Crystal -
They checked in throughout my care and gave updates as well, the process was truly a breeze! I cant thank you guys enough!
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Van Sant Law was just the right people to call after my car accident. They were referred to me by a friend. They were helpful and understanding of my needs and pains. From start to finish they were helpful in explaining the process with the doctors and insurance. Thank you for getting me back on feet.
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I used Van Sant Law for my auto accident claim and I'm so glad I did! Parker, my attorney, was especially great. He really eased my pain and got me the best settlement possible. I highly recommend Van Sant Law. They did right by me and I'm very happy with their level of service.
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R. Shannon Carpenter is the guy to call! Because of him I got a far larger compensation than I ever expect and the whole process was stress free for me!
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I had a head on collusion that left me with a totaled car & very bad injuries. From the first time I spoke to David Van Sant to the end I have been totally satisfied. I worked with Patricia she was very compassionate yet professional she was always ready to answer any concerns that I might have. I am grateful that my daughter found this law firm for me.
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Our firm is dedicated and committed to providing you with the best legal services possible, from your education on the issues to fighting for positive results for your case. Through a free, initial consultation, we will make sure you understand the best way to approach your case, and we’ll review any relevant documents that you provide us with to make sure we have a full, detailed picture of your situation.