Medical Misdiagnosis Lawyer in Pittsburgh, PA

By Jason Matzus | Founder, Matzus Law, LLC

I’ve seen firsthand how devastating a medical misdiagnosis can be—not just for the patient, but for their entire family. A missed or incorrect diagnosis can mean the difference between recovery and lifelong harm. It can delay treatment, cause unnecessary procedures, and, in the worst cases, cost someone their life.

At Matzus Law, I represent people who have been harmed because a doctor, nurse, or hospital failed to diagnose their condition correctly and in time. These cases are complex, but the goal is always simple: get answers, hold the negligent parties accountable, and make sure my clients are compensated for what they’ve been through.

What exactly counts as a medical misdiagnosis?

A misdiagnosis happens when a healthcare provider either gets the diagnosis wrong or fails to diagnose the problem at all. That can lead to a patient receiving the wrong treatment, no treatment, or treatment too late to make the difference it could have.

Some common examples include:

• Failing to order or properly interpret critical tests like bloodwork, imaging, or biopsies.
• Ignoring or dismissing patient symptoms.
• Treating only the obvious symptoms without finding the underlying cause.
• Not referring the patient to a specialist when it’s clearly needed.

If the error happened because the provider didn’t meet the accepted standard of care—that’s when it becomes medical malpractice.

What kinds of misdiagnosis cases do you handle?

I’ve handled cases involving:

• Failure to diagnose – Missing the presence of a serious condition entirely, such as cancer, stroke, or heart disease.
• Delayed diagnosis – Eventually finding the problem, but too late for treatment to be as effective as it should have been.
• Incorrect diagnosis – Diagnosing the wrong condition, which can delay the right treatment and cause harm from unnecessary procedures.
• Failure to identify an underlying condition – Spotting a minor issue but missing the more serious condition causing it.

Every one of these can have life-changing consequences if not caught in time.

What injuries or harm can result from a misdiagnosis?

The consequences can range from serious to catastrophic, including:

• Worsening of the original condition – For example, cancer spreading because it wasn’t caught early.
• Unnecessary treatments – Surgeries, medications, or procedures you never needed, with their own risks and complications.
• Delayed treatment and disease progression – Missing the chance to stop or slow the illness.
• Permanent disability or loss of function – Such as paralysis, brain injury, or organ damage.
• Emotional trauma – Anxiety, depression, and the lasting stress of not being taken seriously.
• Death – When life-threatening conditions aren’t diagnosed in time.

The ripple effects are huge—physically, emotionally, and financially.

If I think I was misdiagnosed, do I have a case?

Possibly, but these cases require proving three things:

1. The standard of care was not met – We show that a competent medical provider would have handled your diagnosis differently.
2. Causation – The mistake must be directly connected to the harm you suffered.
3. Damages – You experienced measurable losses, like medical expenses, lost income, or pain and suffering.

That’s why we dig deep into medical records, consult with independent experts, and look for patterns of negligence.

What compensation could I recover?

If your misdiagnosis was caused by medical negligence, you may be entitled to:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and reduced earning ability
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)

In wrongful death cases, families can also seek funeral costs and loss of income.

Is there a time limit to file in Pennsylvania?

Yes. In Pennsylvania, most medical malpractice claims must be filed within two years of when you discovered—or should have discovered—the injury caused by the misdiagnosis. There are exceptions for minors and some wrongful death cases.

Because the clock starts ticking quickly, I always tell people: if you suspect something went wrong, get legal advice right away. Waiting can mean losing the right to file at all.

How does your firm approach these cases?

I work every case personally, and I only take on a limited number at a time so I can give each client the attention they deserve. Here’s what that looks like:

• Listening carefully to your story and concerns.
• Gathering all relevant medical records.
• Consulting leading medical experts to see where the provider went wrong.
• Building a strong, evidence-based case.
• Fighting for full and fair compensation—whether that’s through settlement or trial.

What should I do right now if I suspect a misdiagnosis?

Document everything. Keep copies of your medical records, prescriptions, bills, and any written communications with your providers. Write down dates, names, and details of every appointment and conversation. And contact an experienced medical malpractice attorney as soon as you can.

The sooner we can investigate, the better the chances of finding the truth and securing justice.

I couldn’t be happier with the service I received from Jason Matzus and his associates! The first time I contacted him about my case, I had also reached out to a variety of other law firms. I chose Matzus Law Firm because Jason himself called me back and not just a secretary screening calls. He was also attentive to my situation and willing to pursue it. That decision has been the very best decision especially considering the empathy and personal support I received and the positive outcome.Jason explained the process very well from the beginning and when questions or issues came up, he was quick to answer me personally.I’m entirely satisfied with my experience and I would highly recommend his services, along with his associates. If I could give him 10 stars I would!!

read moreread less

M. G.

Contact Matzus Law, LLC Today

If you or a loved one has been harmed by a medical misdiagnosis, don’t wait to seek legal help. The attorneys at Matzus Law, LLC are here to evaluate your case and help you pursue justice. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options. We will work tirelessly to hold negligent healthcare providers accountable and secure the compensation you deserve.