What are the legal implications of misdiagnosis in gynecology?
Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis in gynecology can have serious legal implications. For example, missing a diagnosis of ovarian cancer may allow the disease to progress to an advanced stage, reducing treatment options and negatively impacting patient outcomes. Legal claims may be based on failure to follow standard diagnostic protocols or to respond appropriately to symptoms. A successful claim typically requires demonstrating that the standard of care was breached and that harm resulted from this breach.
