Indianapolis Delayed Diagnosis Attorney
When a serious medical condition goes undiagnosed or is diagnosed too late, the consequences can be devastating. A delayed diagnosis can allow an illness or injury to worsen, resulting in prolonged suffering, more aggressive treatments, permanent damage, or even loss of life. At Golitko & Daly, P.C., we represent patients and families across Indiana who have suffered due to preventable delays in diagnosis. If you believe a delayed diagnosis has caused unnecessary harm, we invite you to speak with our legal team. Your consultation is free, and we are here to help you understand your options.
What Is a Delayed Diagnosis?
Delayed diagnosis is a specific type of medical malpractice that occurs when a doctor or other medical professional fails to identify a serious health condition within a reasonable timeframe. This is not the same as a misdiagnosis (which involves identifying the wrong condition). Rather, the condition is eventually diagnosed—just not soon enough to prevent further harm.
Delays in diagnosis can happen for many reasons, including:
- Failure to order appropriate tests
- Ignoring or minimizing patient symptoms
- Miscommunication between healthcare providers
- Misinterpretation of test results
- Delayed referrals to specialists
- Overloaded emergency departments or understaffed clinics
Some commonly misdiagnosed medical conditions include:
- Heart attacks
- Aortic dissections
- Pulmonary embolisms
- Infections
- Pneumonia
- Appendicitis
- Cancer
Common Conditions Involved in Delayed Diagnosis
Some medical issues are especially sensitive to delays in diagnosis because they progress quickly or require early intervention for the best outcome. Common examples include:
- Cancer (especially breast, colon, lung, and prostate)
- Infections (including sepsis and meningitis)
- Stroke
- Heart conditions (such as aortic dissection or blocked arteries)
- Pulmonary embolism
- Appendicitis
- Internal bleeding or trauma-related injuries
These are conditions where time matters, and even a short delay can mean the difference between full recovery and permanent disability—or worse.
The Consequences of a Delayed Diagnosis
The impact of a delayed diagnosis can be both physically and emotionally overwhelming. You or your loved one may face:
- The need for more invasive or aggressive treatments
- Longer hospital stays
- Higher medical costs
- Permanent loss of function
- Emotional trauma and reduced quality of life
- Lost income due to time away from work
- In the most serious cases, wrongful death
These are not just unfortunate outcomes—they may be the result of preventable medical negligence. If so, you have the right to pursue compensation and accountability.
Why Choose Golitko & Daly
At Golitko & Daly, P.C., we are not a volume law firm. We take a hands-on, personal approach to each case. Our attorneys have decades of experience in medical malpractice litigation, and we understand the complex medical and legal issues involved in delayed diagnosis claims. We work with top medical experts to evaluate what went wrong and build a strong case for justice.
If a delayed diagnosis has impacted your life, we can pursue compensation for:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
- Funeral and burial expenses (in wrongful death cases)
We do not get paid unless you do.