San Francisco, CA medical malpractice attorney Nathaniel Leeds discusses his approach to handling failure to diagnose cases. He points out that he frequently manages cases in which family members express regret, often stating that they wish a physician had identified a condition sooner or that an earlier diagnosis might have changed the outcome. His first step in these matters is to conduct thorough medical research to assess whether an earlier diagnosis could have made a meaningful difference.

In some cases—such as those involving strokes—a delayed diagnosis can result in devastating consequences. In others, however, an earlier diagnosis may not have significantly altered the outcome. These matters often become more academic in nature, requiring detailed analysis of the treatability of specific conditions and a careful review of how the patient’s symptoms first presented.