Yes, patients are entitled to know the results of any medical exams performed on them. The standard of care to which health care providers are held includes an obligation to communicate test results. In addition, medical professionals must also communicate the following about medical tests:
- Explaining the purpose of any tests performed
- Discussing alternative options to the test
- Explaining the consequences of not performing the test
- Relaying possible risks or side effects of the medical exam
What are the consequences of failure to communicate test results?
Medical test results are important to share with a patient because a failure to communicate test results can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment and serious negative health implications.
Causes of failure to communicate test results
Despite their obligation to do so, research has found that medical professionals fail to communicate test results to their patients more than seven percent of the time. This means that seven percent of patients each year are at risk for negative health outcomes because appropriate treatment was not given in a timely manner.
The two most common causes of failure to communicate test results are simply forgetting to communicate or results getting lost or confused in the chain of communication.
Failure to communicate test results claim
When a patient is harmed because of a failure to communicate test results a medical malpractice claim may be brought against the negligent party. A medical malpractice attorney gathers relevant information to build a case including identifying the cause of the failure to communicate and the person in the chain of communication – a nurse, physician, specialized surgeon, etc. – who caused the failure. Medical experts are consulted to explain the connection between the failure to communicate test results and the harm caused to the patient. While most medical malpractice cases are settled out of court, a small percentage of cases end with a settlement reached in trial.
What damages can be won in a failure to communicate test results claim?
While the size of the settlement varies widely from case to case, damages for medical negligence cases typically include monetary compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
If you or a loved one was harmed as a result of a failure to communicate test results, seek the consultation of a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you are able. There is a statute of limitations – typically three years – for personal injury cases in Washington State. The medical malpractice lawyer will be able to discuss your legal rights.
The Seattle personal injury attorneys at Morrow Kidman Tinker Macey-Cushman, PLLC have years of experience representing families harmed by medical malpractice and other types of negligence. We seek justice for patients who have been harmed by preventable medical errors and other preventable injuries including birth injuries, hospital-acquired infections and wrongful death in Seattle and across Washington State. There are no fees or expenses to file a personal injury case as we only receive payment if we recover damages on your behalf. Do not delay; personal injury claims come with a Statute of Limitations, which means they must be filed within a certain time frame of the injury.
Call us now at (206) 752-4366 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with one of our compassionate, experienced attorneys.