Delay in Treatment

Delay in treatment is one form of medical malpractice that may mean the difference between life and death. In dire situations where time is a pressing issue, a delay in treatment may cost the life of a patient that could have otherwise been saved. Unfortunately, because this type of error is a typical side-effect of other medically negligent actions, delays in treatment are quite common. While many times they have no effect on the patient, in certain physical and psychological situations, the consequences of delayed treatment may be quite severe.

Causes of Delay in Treatment

A delay in treatment may arise for a number of reasons. Many times, it is an indirect result of some other form of medical malpractice, such as a misdiagnosis. Common causes of delayed treatment include the following:

• Failure to diagnose
• Delayed diagnosis
• Pharmacy error
• Misdiagnosis
• Failure on behalf of the patient to seek medical attention

Patients who are suffering from severe mental illnesses such as bi-polar disorder may take self-destructive actions if they are not treated in a timely manner. Those who have cancer or other life-threatening illnesses may also lose their lives if they experience a significant delay in treatment.

Contact Us

Everyone has the right to speedy and efficient medical treatment. When doctors fail to take appropriate measures and perform according to the standards of their profession, they may be held liable for any injuries or deaths that occur.

If you would like to learn more about delay in treatment, its causes, and the complications resulting from this form of medical negligence, contact the Pennsylvania medical malpractice lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. today at 610-667-7511.