Springfield MA Misdiagnosis Attorney

Why Choose Us Over Other Misdiagnosis Attorneys in Springfield MA?

If you believe a doctor, nurse, or medical facility failed you, it’s time to speak with a qualified Springfield misdiagnosis attorney like Al Goodman at Better Call Al. Choosing the right attorney can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Here’s why so many clients have come to trust our law firm:

• Over 30 years of experience handling medical malpractice claims
• Recognized by Super Lawyers based on peer reviews and independent research
• AV Preeminent® rated by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest peer rating for legal ability and ethics
• Millions recovered in verdicts and settlements for medical negligence clients
• Local knowledge of courts and procedures throughout Springfield and the Western Mass region
• We only take on a limited number of cases to ensure personal attention
• Consultations are always free and confidential

You Deserves Answers

Contact a Springfield medical malpractice attorney at Better Call Al now to discuss your case: (413) 736-1616

Why You Should See an Experienced Misdiagnosis Lawyer Right Away

Time is of the essence in any medical malpractice case. In Massachusetts, medical misdiagnosis claims are subject to strict statutes of limitations. And evidence such as medical records, diagnostic tests, and expert testimony must be collected and preserved as soon as possible.

An experienced Springfield misdiagnosis lawyer can evaluate your situation, gather evidence, consult with medical experts, and determine if you have grounds to file a claim. The sooner you speak to a lawyer, the better your chances of building a strong case and recovering the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Do You Have a Legitimate Case?

You may have a valid claim for misdiagnosis if:

• A competent doctor under the same circumstances would have made the correct diagnosis
• The delay or error in diagnosis caused your condition to worsen
• You suffered physical, emotional, or financial harm as a result

When you meet with Al Goodman for a free consultation, he will determine whether your situation meets the legal standards for a malpractice claim and tell you if you have a valid case.

What’s the Legal Process for a Misdiagnosis Claim?

Medical malpractice cases in Massachusetts are complex and require several steps:

• Initial Consultation: You meet with a misdiagnosis attorney to review your medical history and discuss your experience.
• Medical Record Review: Your lawyer gathers and examines all relevant records to identify potential errors.
• Expert Review: Massachusetts law requires a medical expert to certify that the case has merit.
• Notice of Intent: You must notify the healthcare provider of your intent to sue.
• Filing the Lawsuit: A formal complaint is filed in court.
• Discovery Phase: Both parties exchange information, take depositions, and build their arguments.
• Settlement or Trial: Many cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to court.

The Statute of Limitations in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims, including misdiagnosis, is generally three years from the date the injury was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered.

It’s important to remember that no claim can be filed more than seven years after the alleged act of malpractice, regardless of discovery, but there are some few exceptions, such as cases involving fraud or concealment.

For minors under the age of six, the deadline is extended to three years after the child’s sixth birthday, but not beyond the child’s ninth birthday.

Think You Suffered Damages from being Misdiagnosed?

Don’t wait: Call (413) 736-1616 for a free consultation today.

General Misdiagnosis & Delayed Diagnosis

Misdiagnosis refers to a situation where a healthcare provider diagnoses a patient with the wrong condition or fails to diagnose a condition altogether. Delayed diagnosis occurs when the correct diagnosis is made, but only after a harmful delay. Both errors can prevent patients from receiving timely and appropriate treatment, leading to worsened conditions, prolonged suffering, and even death.

Missed or delayed diagnosis is one of the most common and dangerous types of medical negligence. Patients may present symptoms that should prompt immediate investigation, but instead are dismissed, misinterpreted, or not acted upon. This delay can allow a condition to progress beyond the point where it is treatable, especially with diseases like cancer, infections, and neurological issues.

Delayed or Incorrect Treatment

A misdiagnosis often leads to delayed or entirely incorrect treatment. If a doctor believes you have a different condition than you actually do, they may prescribe medication, therapies, or surgeries that not only fail to help but may also harm you. In these cases, the correct treatment may be postponed until the accurate diagnosis is finally made, by which time significant damage may have already occurred.

Failure to begin treatment promptly due to diagnostic errors can have severe consequences. For conditions that require early intervention such as stroke, sepsis, or certain cancers, a delay in diagnosis can lead to irreversible damage, permanent disability, or death. Patients may also face a longer recovery, more invasive procedures, and increased medical costs.

Failure to Conduct Diagnostic Testing

Doctors are trained to recognize red flags and order tests accordingly. Failing to conduct diagnostic testing is a serious breach of this responsibility. Whether it’s blood work, imaging studies, or biopsies, missing a critical test can mean the difference between a treatable condition and a life-altering injury. In many cases, basic diagnostic tools that should have been used early on are never ordered.

Improper Differential Diagnosis

Differential diagnosis is the process of ruling out possible conditions until the most likely one is identified. An improper differential diagnosis occurs when this process is done incompletely or incorrectly. A doctor might stop investigating too soon or focus on less serious conditions without eliminating more dangerous possibilities. This leads to incorrect diagnoses and delayed care for the true underlying issue.

Delayed Diagnosis of Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infectious disease that can be fatal if not treated promptly. A delayed diagnosis of TB allows the disease to progress and increases the risk of transmission to others. Symptoms like chronic cough, fever, night sweats, and weight loss should trigger immediate testing. Failure to recognize TB early can lead to extensive lung damage and prolonged illness.

Delayed Treatment of Kidney Disease

Kidney disease often progresses silently, with symptoms that are easily overlooked or attributed to other causes. A delayed diagnosis or treatment of kidney disease can allow the condition to progress to kidney failure, requiring dialysis or transplant. Early detection through blood and urine tests is essential, and failure to take these steps can form the basis for a malpractice claim.

Failure to Diagnose Stroke on Time

A stroke is a medical emergency where minutes can make the difference between recovery and permanent disability. Failure to diagnose a stroke on time can result in missed opportunities to administer clot-busting drugs or perform necessary procedures.

Symptoms such as sudden weakness, slurred speech, confusion, or facial drooping should be immediately recognized. Delayed stroke diagnosis is a common and often devastating form of medical malpractice.

Compensation for Misdiagnosis Malpractice

If you've been harmed due to a medical misdiagnosis, you may be entitled to financial compensation for the losses and hardships you've endured. At Better Call Al, we pursue full and fair compensation for our clients, holding negligent medical providers accountable for the harm caused.

A successful claim can help cover the financial, physical, and emotional toll that misdiagnosis can inflict on a person’s life.

Compensation may include:

• Medical expenses, including past and future treatment costs
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Wrongful death damages (in fatal cases)

Diseases and Conditions That May Be Misdiagnosed

Failure to diagnose and misdiagnosis can cause many types of permanent health injuries and damages:

• Stroke
• Cancers
• Embolism or pulmonary embolism
• Venous or arterial thromboembolism
• Aortic aneurysm
• Brain aneurysm
• Subarachnoid hemorrhage
• Heart attack, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest
• Temporal arteritis or acute vascular occlusion
• Appendicitis complications
• Flesh-eating bacterial infection or necrotizing fasciitis
• Cauda Equina
• Spinal cyst or abscess
• Spinal cord compression
• Displaced rib fracture and internal bleeding
• Kidney stone
• Sepsis, septicemia, coma and death
• Gastrointestinal perforation and rupture
• Intestinal obstruction or blockage
• Bacterial Meningitis
• Testicular torsion

What Clients Are Saying About Us

His knowledge beyond compare! - Kimberly Roque

Attorney Al Goodman is an exemplary attorney his knowledge beyond compare! His firm has always been our go to we are always pleased with his hard work and dedication!

I have nothing but good things to say about my experience with Al- Kiley Perrone

Having Al working on my case has been an absolute pleasure! He is always willing to educate, advise, and clarify the process, and is available via text or email through all hours of the day. His hard work earned me a settlement big enough to buy my first home! And he listens and cares about his clients. I have nothing but good things to say about my experience with Al while going through a very stressful and painful time. If you're ever injured, better call Al!

Case Results

Emergency Room Misdiagnosis Results in Wrongful Death – Settlement: $1,000,000

An elderly man was brought to the emergency room after falling out of bed and reporting neck pain. An x-ray revealed a cervical fracture, but the ER doctor deemed it stable and discharged him with instructions to follow up with a neurosurgeon in ten days. Shortly after returning home, the man’s condition worsened. His son brought him to a different hospital, where he was admitted, but tragically, he soon fell into a coma and passed away. The cause: a severed spinal cord.

When Al Goodman took on the case, he conducted a thorough investigation and deposed the radiologist who had reviewed the original imaging. It was revealed that the radiologist had believed the fracture was unstable and that the patient should have been admitted immediately, but his recommendation was overridden by the ER doctor. This critical fact led to the collapse of the defense’s position during litigation, prompting the insurance company to negotiate. The case was resolved in favor of the family with a $1,000,000 settlement.

Speak With a Trusted Medical Malpractice Attorney in Western Massachusetts

If you or a loved one has suffered due to a misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis in Springfield or anywhere in Western Massachusetts, don’t wait. Call (413) 736-1616 today for a free consultation and let us help you understand your rights and options under the law.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifies as medical misdiagnosis in Massachusetts?

A medical misdiagnosis occurs when a healthcare provider fails to identify the correct illness, delays the diagnosis, or provides the wrong diagnosis, leading to harm or delayed treatment that worsens the patient’s condition.

How do I know if I have a valid misdiagnosis malpractice case?

You may have a case if another competent provider under similar circumstances would have made the correct diagnosis, and the misdiagnosis led to physical, emotional, or financial harm.

Can I sue for a delayed diagnosis?

Yes. A delayed diagnosis that results in worsened health outcomes, additional medical expenses, or lost opportunities for treatment may qualify as malpractice under Massachusetts law.

What types of conditions are commonly misdiagnosed?

Some of the most commonly misdiagnosed conditions include cancer, stroke, heart attacks, infections, and autoimmune diseases. These errors can have serious or even fatal consequences if not corrected quickly.

How long do I have to file a misdiagnosis malpractice claim in Massachusetts?

Generally, you have three years from the date you discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) the misdiagnosis. However, certain exceptions apply, so it’s critical to speak to an attorney as soon as possible.

What compensation can I recover in a misdiagnosis case?

You may be eligible to recover damages for medical expenses, lost income, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and in some cases, wrongful death damages.

Do I need a medical expert to prove my misdiagnosis case?

Yes. Massachusetts law requires a qualified medical expert to confirm that your case has merit before it can proceed. Better Call Al works with trusted experts to support your claim.

Will I have to go to court for a misdiagnosis lawsuit?

Not always. Many cases are resolved through settlement negotiations. However, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial to ensure the strongest possible position.

How much does it cost to hire Better Call Al for a Springfield misdiagnosis case?

We offer free consultations and handle Springfield misdiagnosis claims on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we win compensation for you.

Meet Our Springfield MA Misdiagnosis Attorney

Al Goodman

Al Goodman is the founding attorney behind Better Call Al, a law practice dedicated to standing up for individuals harmed by medical negligence, misdiagnosis, and serious personal injuries. With over 30 years of litigation experience in Massachusetts, Al has built a reputation as a tenacious and results-driven advocate for clients across Springfield and Western Mass.

Known for his meticulous preparation and aggressive pursuit of justice, Al has successfully handled complex misdiagnosis and malpractice cases involving delayed cancer detection, failure to diagnose stroke, surgical errors, and more. He works closely with top medical experts to uncover what went wrong and builds compelling cases designed to hold negligent providers accountable.

Al has recovered millions in verdicts and settlements for his clients and has earned recognition from legal peers and national organizations. He is committed to keeping clients informed, empowered, and involved throughout every stage of their case.

Additional Information

• Medical Malpractice Cases We Handle
• Delayed Diagnosis: Legal & Medical Consequences You Should Know