When we see a doctor or another medical professional to help us better understand our symptoms and medical condition, we are placing our trust in them to give us the answers we are looking for in a timely manner. In Richmond, at the VCU Medical Center on East Clay Street, when your medical provider does not give you answers, you suffer. At Brooks & Baez, we can help you know what to do after a diagnostic error at VCU Medical Center and protect your rights.
Examples of Diagnostic Errors That Take Place at the VCU Medical Center
VCU Medical Center acts as one of the foundations of medical care in the Richmond area. They state that their purpose is to provide patients with progressive treatments and trustworthy medical care, but sometimes, this promise falls short.
Nearly 23% of patients across the U.S. experience a diagnostic error at some point in their lives. The most common diagnostic errors include:
- Failure to identify cancer. In 2025 alone, roughly 2.0 million people were diagnosed with cancer in the U.S. When this cancer is not defined, however, it can cause individuals to suffer a delay in treatment and may bring about a worsening condition and even death. Common cancers that can be missed include lung, breast, prostate, and adrenal cancers.
- Failure to diagnose a heart attack. When a medical professional fails to diagnose a heart attack, they will also fail to provide necessary and timely treatment, which often results in death.
- Failure to recognize stroke symptoms. When a medical professional fails to recognize the symptoms of a stroke in a patient, they will likely fail at administering necessary treatment as well.
- Failure to diagnose an infection. When a medical professional fails to diagnose a patient with an infection, the patient doesn’t receive the necessary antibiotic treatment, and the infection can quickly worsen, possibly resulting in death.
What to Do When You Have Suffered a Diagnostic Error
If you or a loved one has suffered a diagnostic error at the VCU Medical Center, there are steps you can take that can protect you and any future medical malpractice claim you may file. These steps include:
- Seek medical attention. Above all else, your health comes first. It is important that you seek a second opinion from another medical provider who can help stabilize your condition and prevent you from suffering further harm.
- Request medical records. You need to request and preserve all related medical records as soon as possible.
- Document everything. You need to keep a detailed record of everything related to your diagnostic error, including dates and times, names and titles of the involved healthcare professionals, and how the injury has affected you.
- Do not discuss the case. It is crucial that you do not publicly discuss your case or have any conversations regarding fault without an attorney present. Posting to social media about your diagnostic error could inadvertently harm your claim.
- Consult a lawyer. Eight out of every 10 medical malpractice cases go to trial. You need to speak with an attorney who can protect your rights and advocate for the full amount of compensation you deserve after suffering a diagnostic error.
About Brooks & Baez
Since our firm was established in 2016, the team at Brooks & Baez has recovered millions of dollars on behalf of personal injury and medical malpractice clients. While these results cannot guarantee future case outcomes, we are here to provide all clients with the same level of dedication and legal excellence. You deserve legal representation you can trust after that same trust has been betrayed by your medical team. Brooks & Baez is here to serve you today.
FAQs
What Mistakes Should Be Avoided in a Diagnostic Error Case?
In a diagnostic error case, there are a number of mistakes that should be avoided. This includes choosing the right attorney who has the experience and resources necessary to represent your case. You should also not delay any medical treatment that may be required or ignore any orders given to you by a doctor. Both of these actions have the ability to invalidate your claim.
What Is the Statute of Limitations on Medical Malpractice Cases in Virginia?
In Virginia, the statute of limitations for all medical malpractice cases is two years. This means that if you do not get your medical malpractice case filed within the two years following the injury, your case will likely be dismissed, and you will be unable to recover any damages. However, there are certain exceptions, and your lawyer can make you aware of these.
What Can a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Do for Me?
A medical malpractice lawyer can make all the difference when it comes to recovering your fair share of compensation following a diagnostic error. At Brooks & Baez, our bilingual team is here to demand financial accountability, help you navigate the entire legal system, and collect evidence that supports your claim. We can also file all necessary paperwork and consult with medical professionals to calculate the total amount of damages.
What Damages Can I Recover in a Diagnostic Error Claim?
In a diagnostic error claim, there are a number of damages you may be able to recover. These damages can include any costs related to remedying the negative effects of unnecessary treatment, the costs of treating your actual condition, prescription medications, medical supplies, or other forms of treatment, pain and suffering, loss of current or future earnings, and possible wrongful death damages.
Hire a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Who Can Advocate for You
If your doctor has made a diagnostic error at the VCU Medical Center, it is time to hire a medical malpractice lawyer you can trust. At Brooks & Baez, we are here to help you better understand your legal rights and options and take the necessary action on your behalf in Richmond.
We understand that this is a difficult time for you and your loved ones, and we are here to guide you through every step of your case. To learn more about how we can hold VCU Medical Center and its employees liable for your diagnostic error, contact our offices today and schedule an initial consultation.
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