Experienced Iowa Misdiagnosis Lawyers

Last updated on May 27, 2025

Receiving a wrong diagnosis can be just as devastating as a failure to diagnose. Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis can lead to improper treatment, worsening of the condition and, in severe cases, can be life-threatening. While not every misdiagnosis qualifies as malpractice, you may be eligible for a claim if the issue was the result of a reckless or negligent professional.

At Slater Law, LLC, we are dedicated to helping patients who have suffered due to these critical medical errors. We have more than 40 years of combined experience guiding clients through their medical malpractice claims. As your representation, we can review the unique elements of your claim to determine if your misdiagnosis qualifies as medical malpractice, and help you pursue the compensation and justice you deserve.

The Serious Consequences Of Misdiagnosis And Delayed Diagnosis

Misdiagnosis is unfortunately common and can have dire consequences when the necessary treatment or surgery is delayed, or never provided. Every second counts when trying to identify life-threatening illnesses or ailments. The more time it takes to reach an accurate diagnosis, the more time the condition has to worsen. A diagnosis failure can result in a patient suffering more, and their illness escalating to devastating or fatal conditions.

A misdiagnosis can happen for any number of reasons, including lack of communication with a patient, failure to properly read test results, lack of education or training, insufficient testing procedures or faulty testing equipment. Whatever the cause, we will be by your side to hold the liable party accountable.

If your symptoms persist or worsen despite treatment, it is crucial to seek a second opinion. Consistent or escalating symptoms can indicate a misdiagnosis. A second opinion can provide a fresh perspective and may uncover the true cause of your health issues. This step is vital to ensuring you receive the correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Commonly Misdiagnosed Conditions

Doctors get it wrong for up to 12 million Americans yearly, a significant health care problem. Some illnesses are complex to correctly diagnose because their symptoms are complicated or seem very similar to other illnesses. Here are some diseases that doctors often misdiagnose:

• Cancer: Doctors sometimes miss or wrongly diagnose cancers like breast, cervical, prostate and colon cancer. The signs might be difficult to see or look like something less serious, so diagnosis and treatment can take longer.
• Infections: Sometimes, doctors may delay treatment because they suspect serious infections are just colds or other minor illnesses.
• Vascular events: Doctors often mistake conditions like stroke or blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) for less serious problems like headaches or anxiety.
• Migraines: Doctors might think migraines are just sinus or tension headaches, or even serious conditions like a stroke or epilepsy.
• Stroke: Doctors may not recognize the signs of a stroke or confuse symptoms with other brain conditions.
• Lupus: This illness, where the body attacks itself, can be challenging to diagnose because its symptoms resemble fibromyalgia or rheumatoid arthritis.
• Fibromyalgia: Doctors might mix up fibromyalgia, which causes widespread pain, with other long-term pain conditions, leading to a wrong diagnosis and treatment.
• Celiac disease: Doctors might confuse this illness, where gluten damages the gut, with irritable bowel syndrome or other stomach problems.
• Pulmonary Embolism: Doctors might mistake a blood clot in the lungs for a heart attack or pneumonia, delaying the proper treatment.

Misdiagnosis can delay treatment, make conditions worse, or lead to permanent disability or death. Patients should watch their symptoms, and get second opinions when needed to seek out the correct diagnosis and care.

Steps If You Suspect Misdiagnosis

If you think your diagnosis is wrong, act quickly to take care of your health and protect your rights. Take these steps:

• Get another opinion: Don’t be afraid to seek another medical opinion. Be sure to take all your medical records, test results and pictures with you.
• Document everything. Keep track of your symptoms, treatments and how your condition changes. Save copies of all your medical records from past visits and tests.
• Consider consulting a lawyer: Talk to an Iowa medical malpractice lawyer if a misdiagnosis harmed you, left you permanently impaired or caused someone’s death to see if you can take legal action.

In Iowa, you must file a medical malpractice lawsuit within two years of discovering that the doctor’s mistake hurt you or that you should have found it. The statute of repose also states that you can’t file a lawsuit more than six years after the mistake unless the medical procedure left something wrong inside you. If there is, you have two years from when you find it to file the lawsuit.

If you file a lawsuit for medical malpractice, you might recover compensation for:

• Your medical bills
• Lost wages
• The pain and suffering you went through
• Damages for loss of companionship and support in wrongful death cases

Trust what you feel about your health. If you think something is wrong, ask another doctor. Taking action early can stop problems from worsening and ensure you get the proper treatment. Even though some illnesses are difficult to diagnose, if a doctor makes a mistake because they were negligent or careless, you can hold them accountable. Our legal team is here to help.

Your Path To Recovery Starts Here

If you believe that your condition has grown worse due to a misdiagnosis, do not wait to contact our Iowa attorneys. Call our West Des Moines office at 866-412-5937 or email us here, and schedule your initial consultation today.