Missed Diagnosis in Rotterdam: What Does It Entail and How to Protect Your Rights?
In Rotterdam, a missed diagnosis occurs when a general practitioner or specialist at a local hospital such as Erasmus MC fails to identify or diagnose a condition too late, despite clear indicators from symptoms and tests. This often aggravates health damage, resulting in personal injury claims. In this article, we explain what a missed diagnosis entails, its legal implications, and steps for Rotterdam residents to safeguard their rights. It differs from a wrong diagnosis, but both are medical errors that can be pursued legally.
What Exactly Is a Missed Diagnosis?
A missed diagnosis falls under medical negligence: a healthcare provider in Rotterdam overlooks a disease due to insufficient investigation, downplaying symptoms, or failing to refer. Unlike a wrong diagnosis, where an incorrect condition is named, the true cause remains undetected. This can lead to disease progression, complications, expensive treatments, or worse in Rotterdam's healthcare setting.
Typical examples: failing to recognize chest pain as a heart issue in a Rotterdam dockworker, overlooking a tumor during a check-up at Ikazia Hospital, or dismissing fever as an infection at a GP out-of-hours service. In the Netherlands, including Rotterdam, you are entitled to thorough diagnostics, enabling claims under personal injury law.
Legal Basis for Rotterdam Patients
Claims are based on tort (Article 6:162 of the Dutch Civil Code), where negligent care causes compensable damage. The Medical Treatment Contracts Act (WGBO) (Articles 7:446 and 7:750 of the Dutch Civil Code) requires Rotterdam doctors to provide accurate diagnoses and patient information. EU Directive 2011/83/EU reinforces this with standards of care.
You must prove a causal link between the error and the damage, often through medical examinations or disciplinary proceedings. In cases of gross negligence, professional liability applies to the doctor or hospital. Insurers like MediRisk handle this, and for Rotterdam cases, the District Court of Rotterdam handles civil proceedings.
Examples of Missed Diagnoses in Rotterdam
A 45-year-old resident from Charlois in Rotterdam complains of headaches and fatigue to the GP. Without referral to Erasmus MC, a brain tumor is later discovered. The delay causes permanent damage such as coordination issues and memory problems.
In the ER at Maasstad Hospital, a young person from Feijenoord has abdominal pain dismissed as stomach issues. It is a burst appendix, leading to sepsis, a prolonged hospital stay, loss of income, and high costs—an ultrasound could have prevented this.
Such an oversight affects not only the body but also finances and mental health, with bills for therapy and time off work.
Your Rights as a Rotterdam Patient
The WGBO grants rights to careful diagnosis and information. Report symptoms promptly and cooperate. If you suspect an issue:
- Request your medical file (Article 7:454 of the Dutch Civil Code).
- Seek a second opinion, e.g., from a Rotterdam specialist.
- File a complaint with the care provider.
- Initiate disciplinary proceedings at the Regional Disciplinary Tribunal.
- Contact the Legal Aid Office Rotterdam for free advice.
You can claim pain and suffering compensation, medical costs, and lost income. Doctors must follow guidelines from professional associations.
Missed vs. Wrong Diagnosis
| Aspect | Missed Diagnosis | Wrong Diagnosis |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Condition not detected | Incorrect condition named |
| Consequences | Treatment too late | Incorrect treatment |
| Proof | Show possibility of diagnosis | Prove error in diagnosis |
| Example | Cancer missed in Rotterdam | Flu mistaken for pneumonia |
Both cause injury, but the chain of events differs. Read more in Wrong Diagnosis.
Action Plan for Rotterdam Victims
- Document: Note dates, symptoms, and visits.
- Second opinion: Consult another Rotterdam doctor.
- Request file: From the care provider or under WGBO rights.
- File complaint: With the authority or Legal Aid Office Rotterdam.
- Start claim: At District Court of Rotterdam with a personal injury lawyer.
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