Missed Diagnosis in Den Haag: What Is It and What Can You Do?
In Den Haag, a missed diagnosis occurs when a general practitioner or specialist at a local hospital such as HMC or LUMC fails to identify or diagnose a condition, despite clear indicators from symptoms and tests. This often aggravates health damage, with consequences under personal injury law. This article explains what a missed diagnosis means for residents of Den Haag, the available legal options, and how to protect your rights at the District Court of Den Haag. It distinguishes this from a wrong diagnosis, though both are medical errors that can lead to claims.
What Does a Missed Diagnosis in Den Haag Entail?
A missed diagnosis is a form of medical negligence where a healthcare provider in Den Haag overlooks a disease due to insufficient investigation, ignoring symptoms, or failing to refer to specialists at a regional hospital. Unlike a wrong diagnosis, where an incorrect condition is identified, here the true cause remains undetected. This can result in disease progression, complications, extended treatment, or even a fatal outcome in Den Haag's healthcare system.
Typical examples include failing to recognise a heart attack despite chest pain at a GP out-of-hours service in Schilderswijk, missing a tumour during screening at Antoniushove, or overlooking an infection amid fever in the emergency department. In the Dutch healthcare system, including Den Haag, you are entitled to accurate diagnostics, providing a basis for injury claims.
Legal Basis for Claims in Den Haag
Claims for missed diagnoses are grounded in the unlawful act (Article 6:162 of the Dutch Civil Code), which establishes liability for wrongful conduct causing damage. The WGBO (Articles 7:446 and 7:750 of the Dutch Civil Code) requires Den Haag healthcare providers to perform proper diagnostics and inform patients. EU Directive 2011/83/EU reinforces this through Dutch regulations.
For personal injury claims, causation between the error and the damage must be proven, often through medical assessments or the Regional Disciplinary Board for Healthcare Professionals in The Hague ('s-Gravenhage). In cases of gross negligence, professional liability applies to doctors or hospitals. Insurers such as MediRisk handle these, but disputes can be brought before the District Court of Den Haag.
Examples of Missed Diagnoses Around Den Haag
Example: A 45-year-old resident of Den Haag with persistent headaches and fatigue receives only rest advice from his GP in Binckhorst, without a scan. A brain tumour is later discovered. The delay at LUMC complicates surgery, resulting in permanent damage such as coordination issues.
Or at the HMC Westeinde emergency department: A young adult with abdominal pain is sent home with a diagnosis of 'stomach upset'. It is appendicitis that ruptures, leading to sepsis, a prolonged hospital stay, high costs, and time off work.
Such an oversight causes not only physical but also psychological and financial harm, including treatment costs and lost income for Den Haag residents.
Your Rights as a Patient in Den Haag with a Missed Diagnosis
Under the WGBO, you have the right to thorough diagnostics and information. Report symptoms promptly and cooperate fully. If you suspect an issue:
- Request your medical records (Article 7:454 of the Dutch Civil Code).
- Seek a second opinion from a specialist in Den Haag.
- File a complaint with the care provider or hospital.
- Initiate disciplinary proceedings at the Regional Disciplinary Board for Healthcare Professionals in The Hague ('s-Gravenhage).
- Contact Juridisch Loket Den Haag for free advice.
You can claim non-pecuniary damages, care costs, and loss of income. Healthcare providers must adhere to guidelines from professional associations.
Comparison: Missed vs. Wrong Diagnosis
| Aspect | Missed Diagnosis | Wrong Diagnosis |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Disease not recognised | Incorrect disease diagnosed |
| Consequences | Delayed treatment | Incorrect treatment |
| Proof | Must show diagnosis was possible | Must show diagnosis was wrong |
| Example | Missing cancer | Confusing flu with pneumonia |
Both cause injury, but the causal chain differs. Learn more about wrong diagnoses: Wrong Diagnosis.
Step-by-Step Guide for a Missed Diagnosis in Den Haag
- Document everything: Note dates, symptoms, and visits.
- Consult a specialist: Obtain a second opinion.
- Request your records: Demand your medical files under the WGBO.
- File a complaint: With the care provider or Juridisch Loket Den Haag.
- Initiate an injury claim: Through a lawyer to the District Court of Den Haag or the insurer.
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