When Doctors Fail to Report Abnormal Test Results: Your Legal Rights

Receiving news that something is amiss with your health is a frightening moment. Learning about it after the fact because a doctor failed to give you your results is even more frightening. These actions by doctors can have profound ramifications for your life, and doctors can be held accountable for their failure to inform a patient of a health condition. A medical malpractice lawyer helps you take swift action and hold them accountable.

Lopez McHugh LLP stands up to medical professionals and fights to see justice done. Our attorneys are empathetic to your situation, and we safeguard you from additional harm. We understand the mixed emotions you may be feeling, and we advocate for you so you can receive the resources and care that you need as quickly as possible.

Failure to Report May be Medical Malpractice

Undergoing a medical test is often a nerve-wracking experience that sparks anxiety and uncertainty about the outcome. This is often amplified  if the potential outcome is time-sensitive requires a quick response. When doctors fail to report the results of such tests to you, this may be considered medical malpractice, and your physician might be held liable for resulting complications.

Medical malpractice occurs when a physician fails to provide treatment that complies with the current standard of care. When this causes injury, they may be liable for the damage. In the event of abnormal test results, doctors are responsible for ensuring that results are communicated in a timely manner so that a patient can understand their options and consent to additional treatment. When a physician negligently fails to do so, they risk compromising their patient’s health and may be subject to legal action.

Poor communication between doctors, nurses, and patients is a common reason why doctors fail to inform patients of their test results. Staff may not properly document or share results to the care team. Regardless of the cause, these mistakes can present increased health concerns and may take away the patient’s ability to provide informed consent about their medical care.

Your Rights After Discovering a Doctor Failed to Report Your Abnormal Test Results

Doctors are required to report abnormal test results to patients in accordance with the Pennsylvania Patient Test Result Information Act. If you discovered that a doctor failed to report test abnormalities to you within the 20 calendar days allowed, you have legal rights you can pursue with the help of a medical malpractice lawyer in Philadelphia. They will walk you through your options and determine the most effective path forward.

Right to Legal Action

When you have been the victim of medical malpractice, you have the right to take legal action against the doctor who failed to give you your test results. They can be held accountable for not alerting you to your health condition and contributing to its progression instead. Your lawyer can demonstrate that the doctor was negligent by not fulfilling the duty they owed to you, and allowing your condition to worsen by not reporting test abnormalities in a timely manner.

Right to Legal Representation

You also have the right to hire a lawyer who can protect your rights and fight to secure the results you deserve. Hospitals often have large legal teams, and having a lawyer on your side can make it easier to obtain fair compensation. Additionally, most personal injury lawyers work on contingency fees, so your lawyer will only collect fees from a settlement if they win your case. This ensures you receive the legal services you need to hold the doctor accountable.

Right to Compensation

If you discover too late that your test results were abnormal, you may require additional care to reassess or treat your condition. This is likely to result in additional medical expenses that you may not have been prepared for financially. These costs, along with lost wages and your pain and suffering, can be recovered through compensation. Your lawyer can help you estimate the value of these expenses and losses so you can be sure you receive the compensation you need to cover your medical care.

How to Protect Yourself from a Doctor’s Failure to Report

Whenever you undergo medical testing, it is important to take steps to protect yourself and be proactive. If you have not heard back from your doctor in a reasonable amount of time, contact them to follow up on the status of your results. You also have the right to request copies of your test results so you can see them for yourself. Always ensure that you receive and have access to your own medical records.

Additionally, if you are unsure about the results you receive from a doctor, seek out a medical review and advice from another doctor. If you suspect a health condition, it is important to get all the information you need to have a clear picture of your condition. Ask as many questions as you need to understand what exactly is going on with your health.

Statute of Limitations for Recovery in a Medical Malpractice Case

If you choose to pursue a medical malpractice lawsuit against the doctor responsible, you have a limited amount of time in which to do it. Because the consequences of a doctor’s negligence may not be apparent right away, you have two years to file a claim from the time you discovered their wrongdoing and its effects. Once this discovery is made, it is best to pursue a claim as soon as possible to ensure the statute of limitations does not expire and bar you from damages.

Talk to an Attorney from Lopez McHugh LLP Today

Lopez McHugh fights for you when you have been wronged by medical professionals. Our team does not rest until we secure you the compensation, justice, and resources you need to seek better care. You, your case, and your health are our top priority, and we fight aggressively on your behalf. To get started with your claim, reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team.