Failure To Diagnose Prior To Hospital Discharge

Although many health conditions are manageable by a GP or specialist, most people require emergency hospital care and treatment at some point in their lives. Patients usually present to their local hospital’s emergency department when dealing with a medical emergency. Patients who present to a local hospital with severe pain are generally promptly given analgesia for pain relief, and many patients report feeling better after receiving adequate analgesia. This improvement in pain could be misleading and may falsely reassure hospital staff (and patients) that the patient’s health condition has resolved, and the patient is fit to be discharged home.

A decision is then made to discharge the patient based only on the resolution of the patient’s pain complaints and without the benefit of a diagnosis that explains the symptoms.

For example, a patient may present to a hospital’s emergency department with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. The patient’s symptoms resolve after being given medication to settle their stomach and manage the pain. The patient is then told that the cause of the symptoms is likely due to consuming contaminated food, and the patient is reassured and discharged home. A few hours later, after the effect of the medications wears off, the patient’s symptoms return. The patient relies on the hospital’s earlier advice and is not concerned about the symptoms. Two days later, the patient experiences excruciating abdominal pain and loses consciousness. The patient returns to hospital, and this time, an abdominal ultrasound is performed, and a ruptured appendix is diagnosed. The patient had presented to that hospital with appendicitis two days earlier and was discharged without a diagnosis.

Suppose you or a loved one are living with an injury or poor health due to a delay in diagnosis and treatment arising from the failure of a public hospital to provide you with reasonable care. In that case, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the personal injury specialists at Garling and Co Lawyers for a free consultation to discuss your legal rights and potential entitlements to compensation.

Types Of Claims:

• Delayed Diagnosis Compensation
• Misdiagnosis
• Failure to Provide Timely Treatment
• Negligence in Follow-up Care

Talk to Garling & Co Lawyers today:

Navigating hospital negligence claims relating to the failure to diagnose prior to hospital discharge requires specialised legal expertise. At Garling & Co Lawyers, we have a skilled team with extensive experience in handling such cases. We will guide you through the entire process, meticulously evaluating your claim and providing expert guidance tailored to Failure to Diagnose Prior to Hospital Discharge. 

To discuss your case with our highly knowledgeable lawyers, please reach out to us on 1300 851 201 or via email. Alternatively, you can fill out our Confidential Case Assessment form, free of charge and without any obligation. Expect a response within 24 hours as we provide the support and guidance you need during this challenging time.