Medical Misdiagnosis

Medical misdiagnosis occurs when a healthcare professional incorrectly identifies a patient's medical condition, either by diagnosing the wrong illness or failing to recognize the correct one. This can lead to inappropriate treatments, delayed care, or worsening health issues. In the context of medical malpractice law, misdiagnosis may be a basis for a legal claim if it can be shown that the healthcare provider acted negligently—meaning they did not meet the standard of care expected in their field—and that this negligence caused harm to the patient.