California Failure to Diagnose Lawyer
Tirelessly Advocating for Undiagnosed Patients in San Francisco
As patients, we trust our healthcare providers to act in our best interests. Sadly, thousands of people suffer injuries because medical conditions go undiagnosed each year in California. At Peterson Injury Law, we have seen the devastating and far-reaching consequences of medical malpractice. If you or a loved one suffered harm as a result of an undiagnosed health condition, you don’t have to face this challenge alone.
To help with medical bills and future care costs, our goal is to hold the negligent provider or hospital accountable and help you pursue the compensation you need to focus on your recovery. Our failure to diagnose attorney draws on decades of experience and a deep knowledge of medical malpractice law, so you can feel confident your financial future is in capable hands.
San Francisco’s diverse population relies on both large hospital systems and community clinics. Mistakes or delays at any step in the process may lead to serious consequences. We have in-depth experience with California’s legal system and understand how local healthcare providers operate, which lets us shape legal strategies that reflect the realities of care in the Bay Area.
Our attorney’s record includes securing notable verdicts and earning recognition from The Best Lawyers in America® and the Litigation Counsel of America®, an invitation-only honorary society that includes fewer than 0.05% of all practicing lawyers in the country. Our office is available 24/7 to answer questions and provide steady support. Let us handle the legal issues while you focus on your health.
If you were harmed due to an undiagnosed health condition in California, our firm can aggressively pursue justice. Call (415) 630-2913 to schedule a free consultation.
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What Constitutes “Failure to Diagnose” in Medical Malpractice Claims?
A failure to diagnose occurs when a healthcare provider does not identify the cause of a patient’s symptoms or incorrectly diagnoses the condition, resulting in harm to the patient. This can happen for many reasons, including not reviewing a patient’s complete medical history, skipping a physical exam, misreading diagnostic tests, or not considering all possible causes of a patient’s symptoms.
In the San Francisco Bay Area, people receive care in teaching hospitals, urgent care clinics, or busy emergency rooms. Each setting poses unique diagnostic challenges, and the city's fast pace may increase the risk of communication breakdowns among care teams. Recognizing these challenges helps us pinpoint where mistakes occur and hold medical professionals accountable to community standards.
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$3.75 Million Anesthesia Error
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$6.25 Million Anoxic Brain Injury, Anesthesia Error
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Record-Setting $17 Million Birth Injury Settlement
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“Working with Erik Peterson was an exceptional experience during one of the most difficult times in our lives. As we faced shock and a maze of medical decisions, Erik seamlessly took on our medical malpractice case with professionalism, compassion, and deep expertise. From our very first conversation, it was clear that Erik had both the knowledge and the sensitivity to guide us through the process with integrity. Erik ultimately secured a settlement that protected our financial future and gave us peace of mind to focus our energy on healing and recovery. We are profoundly grateful for his guidance and advocacy, and we cannot recommend Erik and his team highly enough.”- Jennifer B.
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“I am so very grateful to my lawyer, Erik and his team for his unwavering support, dedication and commitment. Thank you for all your hard work leading us to a victorious outcome in court!”- Quia K.
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“My wife and I are forever grateful to Erik and his team for putting the effort and care for our son and his needs. We chose Erik over another lawyer because they took the time to FaceTime with us and speak to us on a personal level which made us feel safe and heard. Throughout the process Erik was very communicative and detailed in explaining how all the legal things worked and how long things took. He was always truthful and honest but also caring. At the end Erik and his team were able to help us and now our son will have his needs met and a more comfortable life. Thank you.”- Adrian B.
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“He couldn't have managed independence to this extent, his current level of physical activity, or the complexity of his recent social interactions 6 months ago. None of it would have happened without ongoing therapeutic support - which has only been possible with the financial settlement.”- Former Client
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“Thank you Erik for winning our case! Erik and his team are superb. If you are in need of his attorney services, it is likely, like myself, that you are experiencing one of the most traumatic and painful times of your life. Of course you want an excellent lawyer - and he is it. The bonus: he is also a genuinely real and kind human being. I am so grateful to him and his team.”- Margaret C.
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“His knowledge and attention to detail was stellar, making me feel secure during a difficult case. Unlike most people in life, he was always upfront with me and kept me updated every step of the way, which is truly not what I was expecting from a lawyer. Although it was determined my case could take several years, especially during a pandemic, due to his dedication it was over in only 2yrs and made the process as easy for me as possible. I would absolutely recommend this firm and use him again if I ever need to, although I hope I don't.”- Kristy N.
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“My husband passed due to medical malpractice and I didn't know what to do or who to call. All I knew was I needed to get him justice. I researched and found Erik Peterson on google and reviewed various reviews on various sites. He was very patient and fought for me and my late husband. Erik told me what to expect ahead of time so I could prepare myself mentally. All in all, I HIGHLY recommend them to anyone who may need legal assistance in personal injury, medical malpractice and wrongful death. They are excellent and I can't say enough good things about them.”- Kiki A.
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“Very knowledgeable, professional and honest. I needed an attorney for malpractice and from the moment we first had our meeting, he explained everything in terms I could easily understand and very thorough, was always very responsive when I had questions. The case wasn’t an easy one to settle, but Erik never lost hope and kept fighting. Any time I had to get ahold of the staff at the law firm for paperwork, they were always so understanding and very helpful and always got back to me in a timely manner. I would highly recommend Erik Peterson and his law firm. He was an excellent lawyer and truly a genuine person.”- Lila D.
Common Undiagnosed Health Conditions
Some of the most frequently undiagnosed health conditions include:
- Stroke
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Heart attack
- Heart disease
- Infections, such as sepsis or pneumonia
- Mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety
What Are the Risks of Failure to Diagnosis?
The consequences of failure to diagnose can be severe for patients and families. When a serious health condition goes untreated or receives incorrect treatment, it can cause permanent disability, organ damage, or death. Quick legal action is essential to safeguard your options for recovery.
Many in San Francisco face barriers to consistent medical care, especially in underserved neighborhoods and among vulnerable groups. Missed diagnoses in these areas often have especially serious consequences. Acting quickly if a provider overlooks symptoms can improve outcomes and help support needed care in the future.
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Do I Need a Failure to Diagnose Lawyer?
Seeking legal counsel after failure to diagnose is essential to protecting your rights and seeking a fair settlement. Here are key reasons to consult with a skilled attorney:
- Navigating the legal system. Medical malpractice law is complex. A seasoned attorney understands the details and deadlines and will guide you through each step.
- Building a strong case. Your lawyer helps collect important evidence, including medical records and testimony, to support your claim and explain your loss.
- Proving negligence. Not all harm qualifies for damages. Your lawyer investigates to pinpoint liable parties and works to meet the legal threshold for compensation.
- Maximizing compensation. Your attorney reviews all the ways a failed diagnosis affected you—medical bills, lost wages, physical suffering—and pursues a full recovery.
- Standing up to insurers. Insurance companies often push for quick settlements that do not cover your true losses. Your lawyer acts to protect your interests and prevent unfair outcomes.
- Trial readiness. Attorneys prepare cases with trial in mind, so if your claim needs to go before a judge or jury, you know you are prepared to keep fighting for a positive result.
The legal environment in San Francisco is shaped by a commitment to patient rights and access to advanced medical care. When you choose a lawyer familiar with San Francisco's courts and hospitals, you benefit from their local insight and understanding. Local knowledge can make a significant difference as you build your claim and hold providers accountable for poor diagnostic care.
Understanding the Legal Process in San Francisco
Navigating a failure to diagnose claim in San Francisco means following a legal process governed by California law and the county’s unique court procedures. Most cases start with a detailed review to determine if the provider’s conduct failed to meet the City’s standards of care. San Francisco courts manage a high volume of medical malpractice actions and tailor timelines to fit each case's details.
The location of the diagnostic error, whether the provider worked as an independent or in a hospital, and if outside agencies have looked into your issue, all affect your path. We educate clients on each phase, from initial case review through any necessary filings, so you can make clear decisions every step of the way.
If you suffered harm as a result of an undiagnosed condition, our attorney can fight tirelessly to hold the negligent provider accountable. Contact us online or by calling (415) 630-2913 to discuss your case.
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