Missed Diagnosis in Utrecht: What Does It Entail and How to Protect Your Rights?
In Utrecht, a missed diagnosis occurs when a general practitioner or specialist, for example at UMC Utrecht, fails to detect or diagnose a condition despite clear symptoms and test results. This often worsens health damage, leading to personal injury claims. We explain what it involves, the legal aspects, and steps for residents of Utrecht to safeguard their rights. Note: this differs from a wrong diagnosis, where an incorrect conclusion is drawn; both are medical errors.
What Exactly Is a Missed Diagnosis?
In Utrecht's healthcare system, a missed diagnosis happens when a healthcare provider overlooks a condition due to insufficient investigation, ignoring symptoms, or failing to refer, such as to UMC Utrecht. Unlike a wrong diagnosis, where the wrong illness is identified, the true cause remains hidden. This can lead to disease progression, complications, expensive treatments, or worse.
Typical cases: a Utrecht GP not recognizing chest pain as a heart issue, missing a tumor during screening at Diakonessenhuis, or overlooking fever as an infection. In Dutch healthcare, including Utrecht, you have a right to accurate diagnostics, enabling claims under personal injury law.
Legal Basis for Claims in the Netherlands and Utrecht
Claims are based on unlawful act (Article 6:162 of the Dutch Civil Code), where negligence causes damage. The Medical Treatment Contracts Act (WGBO) (Articles 7:446 and 7:750 of the Dutch Civil Code) requires doctors to provide correct diagnoses and information. EU Directive 2011/83/EU reinforces this with standards of care.
For cases in Utrecht, you must prove a causal link through medical experts or the disciplinary board. In cases of gross negligence, professional liability applies to doctors or hospitals. Insurers like MediRisk often handle compensation; proceedings are heard at the District Court of Utrecht.
Examples of Missed Diagnoses in Utrecht Practice
A 45-year-old resident of Utrecht complains to their GP about headaches and fatigue. Rest is prescribed without a scan, but it turns out to be a brain tumor. The delay at UMC Utrecht makes surgery more complex, resulting in permanent damage such as memory issues and mobility limitations.
Or at the ER of Antonius Ziekenhuis: abdominal pain in a young person dismissed as stomach upset. It proves to be appendicitis that ruptures, leading to sepsis, weeks in hospital, high costs, and loss of income. An ultrasound could have prevented this.
This causes not only physical but also psychological and financial harm, such as rehabilitation and time off work.
Your Rights as a Victim in Utrecht
Under the WGBO, you have a right to careful diagnosis and information. Report symptoms promptly. If you suspect a missed diagnosis:
- Request your medical records (Article 7:454 of the Dutch Civil Code).
- Seek a second opinion, e.g., at UMC Utrecht.
- File a complaint with the healthcare provider.
- Initiate disciplinary proceedings at the Regional Disciplinary Board Utrecht.
- Consult Het Juridisch Loket Utrecht for free advice.
You can claim pain and suffering compensation, as well as reimbursement for 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 | Delay in treatment | Inappropriate therapy |
| Proof | Show possibility of diagnosis | Prove error in diagnosis |
| Example | Cancer missed | Flu mistaken for pneumonia |
Both cause injury, but the chains of events differ. Learn more about wrong diagnoses: here.
Step-by-Step Guide for Residents of Utrecht with a Missed Diagnosis
- Document: Note dates, symptoms, and visits.
- Second opinion: Request from a specialist in Utrecht.
- Request records: Demand full medical file.
- File complaint: With the provider or Het Juridisch Loket Utrecht.
- Personal injury claim: Approach a specialized lawyer or the District Court of Utrecht.
Veelgestelde vragen
Wat is mijn retourrecht?
Bij online aankopen heb je 14 dagen retourrecht zonder opgaaf van reden, tenzij de wettelijke uitzonderingen gelden.
Hoe lang geldt de wettelijke garantie?
Goederen moeten minimaal 2 jaar meewerken. Defecten die binnen 6 maanden ontstaan worden verondersteld al aanwezig te zijn.
Kan ik rente eisen over schulden?
Ja, je kunt wettelijke rente eisen (momenteel ongeveer 8% per jaar) over het openstaande bedrag.
Wat kan ik doen tegen oneerlijke handelspraktijken?
Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.
Wat is een kredietovereenkomst?
Een kredietovereenkomst regelt hoe je geld leent, wat de rente is, en hoe je dit terugbetaalt.